HD Hyundai Leads the Way in Establishing a Strong Korea-U.S. Maritime Alliance

HD Hyundai Leads the Way in Establishing a Strong Korea-U.S. Maritime Alliance



On June 24, 2025, HD Hyundai proudly hosted the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Leaders Forum at its Global R&D Center in Pangyo, South Korea. This significant event set the stage for a strategic maritime alliance between South Korea and the United States. The forum served as a follow-up to the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding established last July between HD Hyundai, Seoul National University (SNU), and the University of Michigan (UM), which aims to bolster talent development in the shipbuilding sector.

The timing of the forum couldn't be better, as HD Hyundai noted the U.S. government's renewed dedication to rejuvenating its shipbuilding industry. Recognizing this commitment, HD Hyundai took the initiative to collaborate with SNU and UM, focusing on a joint effort to nurture future talents in shipbuilding. Co-hosted by HD Hyundai and SNU and backed by South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, this gathering marked the first meeting of its kind since the new administration in Korea took office. Attendees included key representatives from both countries, such as Andrew Gately, the Commercial Minister-Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Korea; Lee Seung-ryeol, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Chung Kisun, the Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai.

The impressive line-up of participants featured over 40 experts in shipbuilding and marine engineering. Among them were professors from several elite institutions—both Korean and American—who gathered to discuss practical frameworks for cooperation. The forum kicked off with opening remarks by Chung, emphasizing the significance of this collaboration as an essential step towards a robust maritime alliance. He stated, “This collaboration marks the beginning of a true maritime alliance—one that goes beyond talent exchange to sharing technologies and visions between Korea and the United States.”

Following Chung's address, keynote speeches highlighted the remarkable capabilities of Korean shipyards. Professor David Singer of the University of Michigan expressed admiration for the speed and complexity of vessel production in these yards, underscoring the crucial need for investment in talent to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry. He highlighted the collaboration with HD Hyundai as an exceptional opportunity to spearhead industry advancements.

The afternoon sessions took place at SNU, where participating universities presented their curricula in maritime engineering and shipbuilding. This exchange of ideas formed the basis for collaborative educational strategies while emphasizing the importance of bi-national cooperation in talent cultivation. The forum's conclusion focused on crucial joint research themes, including innovations related to “Smart Yard” technologies aimed at enhancing digital transformation in shipbuilding.

Prior to the main events, on June 23, U.S. participants visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, where they toured both commercial and naval shipyards and learned about smart shipyard initiatives and autonomous navigation technologies.

Looking ahead, the second Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Leaders Forum is set to take place in the United States this coming October, signaling continuing advancements in partnership between these two nations aimed at enhancing their respective shipbuilding industries. This alliance holds great promise to foster innovation, share expertise, and ultimately elevate the global standing of both countries in maritime affairs.

Topics Other)

【About Using Articles】

You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.

【About Links】

Links are free to use.