#South Korea #Ulsan #HD Hyundai #Shipbuilding #Diego Silang

HD Hyundai Achieves A Historic Milestone in Shipbuilding

In a significant celebration held on November 19, 2025, HD Hyundai made maritime history by becoming the first shipbuilder worldwide to deliver a total of 5,000 ships. This revolutionary milestone marks exactly fifty years since the company's first vessel, the Atlantic Baron, was delivered in June 1974. The Diego Silang, the latest entry, is a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel constructed for the Philippine Navy, showcasing the company's ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.

The celebratory event took place at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' sprawling facilities in Ulsan, South Korea. The gathering was graced by renowned figures, including HD Hyundai’s Chairman, Chung Kisun, members of the National Assembly, and several dignitaries from the maritime industry. Their presence underscores the cultural and economic significance of this achievement in the shipbuilding sector.

A Legacy of Innovation

HD Hyundai's journey began with an ambitious vision in the early 1970s, leading to the construction and delivery of the first vessel that was an impressive 260,000-ton Very Large Crude Carrier. Over the past five decades, the company has successfully delivered ships to more than 700 shipowners across 68 nations, further solidifying its status as a global leader. This feat is particularly notable, especially when considering that HD Hyundai outpaces traditional competitors from Europe and Japan, who have longer histories in shipbuilding.

The Diego Silang measures 118.4 meters in length and is 14.9 meters wide, providing superb operational capabilities with a cruising speed of 15 knots and a nominal range of 4,500 nautical miles. The vessel was launched earlier in March and completed its delivery to the Philippine Navy in October, symbolizing HD Hyundai's expanding influence in international naval procurement.

The company has also secured contracts for the construction of ten naval vessels for the Philippines, further enhancing military capabilities in the region. This strategic engagement underlines the importance of partnerships as HD Hyundai continues to shape the future of naval engineering and shipbuilding.

Not Just Numbers: A Testament to Quality

When examining the monumental figure of 5,000 ships, it is worth noting that if the average length of these vessels is assumed at 250 meters, the total combined length stretches approximately 1,250 kilometers. This distance is greater than the straight-line measurement from Seoul to Tokyo, which is about 1,150 kilometers, and astonishingly exceeds the height of Mount Everest by over 140 times. These metrics are not merely statistics but a powerful testament to HD Hyundai's sustained commitment to maritime innovation.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Chairman Chung indicated, “Reaching the landmark of 5,000 vessels is a proud moment for Korea's shipbuilding industry and reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation. This milestone provides the momentum to confidently aim for the next 5,000 ships, steering the industry into the future.”

The company’s subsidiaries—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo, and HD Hyundai Samho—have collectively delivered 144 vessels in the previous year alone, including a robust range of container ships and LNG carriers, contributing to the international economy and maritime needs.

Future Outlook

As the industry evolves, HD Hyundai places high importance on sustainability and technology integration, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of global shipbuilding. The company’s commitment to continual development and improvement promises to reshape maritime logistics and reinforce South Korea’s position as a dominant force in global shipbuilding.

In conclusion, as HD Hyundai celebrates this remarkable achievement, the future looks bright, with their hopes set on delivering new innovations, enhanced vessels, and reinforcing ties with global maritime partners. What lies ahead appears to be a journey not just of numbers and milestones but of continuing a legacy rooted in excellence, quality, and innovation.