HD Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with Huntington Ingalls Industries, a US-based defense shipbuilder, on Monday, marking a major step in the Korean shipbuilding giant's expansion into the US naval market.
The signing ceremony took place at Huntington Ingalls’ exhibition booth during the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition in Washington. Huntington Ingalls operates Ingalls Shipbuilding, the largest surface shipyard in the US, which builds two-thirds of the US Navy’s Aegis destroyers and all large amphibious assault ships and national security cutters.
Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate to improve shipbuilding productivity, reduce costs and delivery times and advance the digital transformation of shipyards through automation, robotics and artificial intelligence technologies.
The two companies also plan to explore joint investment opportunities, expand cooperation in workforce training and strengthen supply chain collaboration.
This partnership further aims to advance the integration of process automation, robotics and AI in the development of digital shipyards, alongside workforce strategy and components outsourcing. In line with these goals, both parties are exploring opportunities for future joint investments.
As this agreement marks the first collaboration between leading Korean and US naval shipbuilders, it is expected to serve as a foundation for deeper bilateral cooperation.
“This collaboration between Korea and the US will help advance both nations’ shipbuilding industries and further strengthen defense ties," said Joo Won-ho, head of special ship business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, added, "This agreement marks a pivotal first step in enhancing shipbuilding capabilities through cooperation between allied nations. By combining our expertise, we will make a meaningful contribution to the construction of high-quality ships that will support the global national security."
hyelimchung@heraldcorp.com
