#United States #Tacoma #HD Hyundai #Port of Tacoma #MASGA Project

HD Hyundai Samho's Recent Expansion into U.S. Port Crane Market

On July 25, 2026, HD Hyundai announced a groundbreaking contract with Washington United Terminals Inc. (WUT), a subsidiary of HMM, marking a significant milestone in the Korean company’s expansion in the U.S. port equipment market. With the signed agreement to supply four advanced port cranes, HD Hyundai Samho is advancing the MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative, aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding sector.

WUT operates at the Port of Tacoma, a key location in Washington state that plays a crucial role in international shipping. The signed contract is part of a larger terminal modernization effort, which seeks to replace aging equipment and prepare for the handling of larger container vessels. Currently, WUT uses eight quay cranes; half of these were previously supplied by HD Hyundai Samho back in 1999. This new project involves replacing two old quay cranes with modern alternatives while also adding two additional yard cranes to enhance overall operational efficiency.

The entire project is set to be executed on a turnkey basis by HD Hyundai Samho, including all phases from design to installation. Equipment is expected to be completed and delivered by 2028. The decision to partner with HD Hyundai reflects the company’s robust design capabilities and deep understanding of U.S. port operations, along with a trustworthy reputation built over several decades. Since the 1980s, the company has successfully supplied a total of twenty cranes to various U.S. ports, establishing itself as a reliable player in this sector.

The growing focus from U.S. governance and industry leaders on supply chain resilience has amplified the importance of port operations. The MASGA project aims to foster increased collaboration between U.S. and Korean shipbuilding sectors, thereby further embedding HD Hyundai Samho into the U.S. market landscape. According to company officials, this recent port crane order is a testament to HD Hyundai Samho’s technological advancements and competitive edge against other nations in the manufacturing sector.

"The port crane order for the Port of Tacoma is a meaningful achievement that reflects the recognition of our technological expertise and quality competitiveness built through a wide range of domestic and international projects," said an HD Hyundai Samho representative. This sentiment emphasizes a commitment not only to the U.S. market but also to environmentally friendly practices by promoting the development of eco-efficient port equipment.

In light of this new contract, HD Hyundai Samho plans to continue past dialogues on enhancing U.S.-Korean cooperation in shipbuilding. Discussions held between HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Kisun and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer only add to the potential for further collaborative ventures in the future. The contributions made through the MASGA project are expected to pave the way for significant innovations in American shipbuilding and port operations.

Ultimately, this landmark order for port cranes marks not just a contract signing, but a significant step forward for both HD Hyundai Samho and U.S. terminal operations, with expectations of increased cargo-handling efficiency and operational reliability at the Port of Tacoma.

By navigating today's changing landscape and enhancing operational capabilities through such initiatives, HD Hyundai Samho is well-positioned to contribute to the evolution of port operations in the U.S. and the global shipping industry.