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

HD Hyundai Sets a New Record

On November 19, 2025, HD Hyundai celebrated a landmark achievement: the delivery of its 5,000th ship. This ceremony, held at the company's headquarters in Ulsan, South Korea, was a tribute to the significant milestones reached over half a century since the initial vessel was launched in 1974. The event was attended by prominent industry figures, including HD Hyundai's Chairman, Chung Kisun, and various government officials, underscoring the importance of this occasion for Korea’s maritime industry.

The vessel marking this historic occasion is the 'Diego Silang,' a state-of-the-art offshore patrol vessel crafted for the Philippine Navy. Measuring 118.4 meters in length and 14.9 meters in width, the Diego Silang boasts impressive capabilities with a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles. Launched in March 2025 and delivered in October, this vessel represents not just a ship but a leap in technology and innovation that will bolster naval operations in the region.

Chung reflected on the past, noting, "Reaching 5,000 ships is a symbol of pride for Korea's shipbuilding industry—we will continue to forge ahead toward the next 50 years." Since the delivery of its first vessel, the massive 260,000-ton Very Large Crude Oil Carrier known as 'Atlantic Baron,' HD Hyundai has achieved a remarkable track record, serving over 700 shipowners across 68 countries globally.

The breakdown of deliveries across its subsidiaries reveals the company's expansive capabilities: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has delivered 2,631 vessels, followed by HD Hyundai Mipo with 1,570, and HD Hyundai Samho with 799. This feat stands unrivaled in the international shipbuilding scene, where even established European and Japanese builders, with their longstanding histories, have not reached such a benchmark.

To put this achievement into perspective, if we consider an average ship length of around 250 meters, the total length of the 5,000 vessels would cover an astounding 1,250 kilometers. This distance not only surpasses the straight-line measure from Seoul to Tokyo, which stands at roughly 1,150 kilometers, but it also exceeds more than 140 times the height of Mount Everest.

Chung reaffirmed the company’s commitment to innovation while celebrating this milestone, remarking, "This 5,000-vessel milestone represents the pride of Korea's shipbuilding industry and highlights the historical challenges that have reshaped the global maritime paradigm." With a plan to build ten naval vessels for the Philippines and notable contracts continuing, the company's future appears bright.

Moreover, in 2024 alone, HD Hyundai and its subsidiaries delivered an impressive tally of 144 vessels, continuously pushing forward in producing container ships, LNG carriers, and other specialized vessels. This delivery was just a glimpse of what is to come as HD Hyundai sets its sights on the next 5,000 vessels and additional decades of maritime innovation. As the shipping industry evolves, HD Hyundai stands at the forefront, marking its legacy in the global waters.

As we look to the future, the journey of HD Hyundai reflects more than numbers; it reflects dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of maritime excellence that will continue to shape the industry for years to come.