HD Hyundai Plans U.S. Shipyard With Digital Twins And Robotic Welding For Navy Support Ships

HD Hyundai USA LLC (HD Hyundai) and Kiewit Maritime Co. (Kiewit), an affiliate of Kiewit Offshore Services, Ltd., today announced plans to establish HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC, a joint venture focused on developing an advanced shipyard.

The proposed venture would combine HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology and shipyard operating expertise with Kiewit’s large-scale fabrication and construction capabilities, supported by the experience and the facilities of its affiliate, Kiewit Offshore Services, Ltd. The companies intend to apply their complementary strengths to establish a competitive U.S. shipbuilding platform.

A New, Purpose-Built Shipyard

The companies envision developing a new, purpose-built shipyard on an existing industrial site. This approach would create modern vessel production facilities while making use of an existing industrial location with deep water and unrestricted access to the Gulf. Construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with full-scale operations targeted for 2029.

At full operating scale, the shipyard could support up to 3,000 jobs. The companies also intend to support technical training and workforce development, while working together and strengthening U.S. supply chains for marine components and logistics. The facility will add new industrial capacity and new employment opportunities to the U.S. economy, while helping develop the skilled workforce that will be essential to the future of American shipbuilding.

Applying Advanced Shipbuilding Technology

Current plans envision incorporating HD Hyundai’s “Future of Shipyard” (FOS) model and digital manufacturing technology at the proposed facility. Advanced solutions—including digital twins, automated production systems, and robotic welding—are intended to improve productivity, quality, and safety throughout the shipbuilding process.

Pursuing U.S. Navy and Commercial Vessel Opportunities

The JV will explore opportunities involving naval auxiliary and commercial vessels, as well as ship block and module fabrication for U.S. shipbuilders. The companies also intend to expand their cooperation into maritime infrastructure.

“Our proposed joint venture HD Kiewit Shipbuilding marks an important milestone in HD Hyundai’s journey to become a strategic partner to the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” said Hannae Choi, Executive Vice President and Head of Corporate Planning Division of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (representing HD Hyundai). “Building on HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology and shipyard operating capabilities, we will contribute to strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industry and expanding shipbuilding cooperation between the United States and South Korea.”

“Through our affiliate, Kiewit Offshore Services, and the broader Kiewit organization, we bring the people, facilities and experience needed to execute complex fabrication work,” said Chad Johnson, President of Kiewit Maritime Co. “Together with HD Hyundai’s world-class shipbuilding expertise, we see an opportunity to build a modern shipyard that expands U.S. shipbuilding capacity, develops a skilled workforce and strengthens the domestic supply chain.”

Press Release