#United States #New York #Maritime #HD Hyundai #Cerberus

Cerberus and HD Hyundai Launch Strategic Partnership for Maritime Growth

In a significant move to bolster the U.S. maritime sector, Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. and HD Hyundai Co., Ltd. have joined forces to unveil a new initiative, Cerberus Maritime. This strategic partnership seeks to enhance maritime capabilities in the United States and allied nations, aligning with governmental efforts to revitalize maritime infrastructure and supply chains.

The recent announcement made on August 25, 2025, highlights the goal of identifying and capitalizing on high-impact opportunities in various maritime sectors, including logistics, port modernization, and advanced maritime technologies. Notably, a strong emphasis will be placed on U.S. shipbuilding, an area that has seen fluctuating fortunes in recent years.

Key Collaborations and Investments

At the heart of this partnership is HD Hyundai's role as an anchor investor and technical partner, leveraging its global expertise in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Cerberus Maritime aims to strategize not only investments but also to optimize operational synergies through collaboration with U.S. shipyards, ports, and innovative maritime technology.

Strategic Alignment with National Goals

The initiative also has the backing of the Korea Development Bank (KDB), which recognizes the strategic implications of this partnership in furthering national objectives. KDB plans to facilitate investments into the Cerberus Maritime strategy, promoting both the sharing of best practices and technological capabilities in the maritime industries of the U.S. and Korea.

Cerberus's extensive experience in partnering with leading firms to rehabilitate distressed infrastructure is evident through its recent acquisition of the Subic Bay shipyard in Southeast Asia. Since taking over, Cerberus has revitalized the shipyard into a multi-use facility that now not only focuses on shipbuilding but also supports subsea infrastructure and logistics operations. Under the auspices of this partnership, HD Hyundai has significantly improved shipbuilding processes at Subic Bay.

Leadership Perspectives

Cerberus CEO Frank Bruno expressed pride in this pioneering partnership, stating, "We are proud to announce this first-of-its-kind partnership that amalgamates the strengths of both Cerberus and HD Hyundai. This collaboration aligns with the historic commitment to rejuvenate the U.S. maritime sector and create beneficial investments for operational advancements. We appreciate the unwavering support from the White House and bipartisan efforts to enhance maritime reindustrialization."

Echoing this sentiment, Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai, remarked, "Our collaboration aims not only to support the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding sector but to also cultivate growth opportunities for Korean shipbuilders. We will leverage our digital capabilities to modernize U.S. shipbuilding practices, laying the foundation for a new era in global maritime.

The Future of Maritime Investments

KDB Vice Chairman Kim Bock-kyu emphasized the significance of this investment program, identifying it as a model for collaboration within the shipbuilding industry. He reiterated KDB's commitment to supporting this investment imperative, which he believes will further solidify the partnership between Korea and the U.S.

About Cerberus

Founded in 1992, Cerberus has emerged as a frontrunner in alternative investing, managing approximately $65 billion across various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, and credit strategies. The firm seeks to optimize performance through collaborative investments and has established itself as a key player in infrastructure asset transformation, particularly in sectors critical to national interests.

As Cerberus and HD Hyundai embark on this ambitious venture, the maritime industry stands at the cusp of potential transformation, promising revitalization and growth aligned with national and global maritime strategies.