HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has signed a memorandum of understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding, HD Hyundai Robotics, and KCC to develop a Total Hull Care Solution. This initiative focuses on advanced technology for real-time hull diagnostics, autonomous underwater robots, and optimizing fuel efficiency, aiming to revolutionize ship maintenance and reduce emissions.
South Korea’s HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering is progressing with a $4 billion greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Set to produce 3.5–4 million gross tonnage of commercial vessels annually, the project follows a MoU with the Tamil Nadu government, enhancing India’s shipbuilding capabilities significantly.
Korean Register and HD Hyundai Samho celebrated their joint project completion on “AI-Based Solution Development for Design and Analysis Innovation” at Posidonia 2026, Athens. This initiative, launched in June 2025, aimed to enhance shipbuilding efficiency through AI, focusing on hull support optimization and managing design documents with a domain-specific Large Language Model.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and BAR Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to integrate WindWings wind-assisted propulsion systems into vessel design. This partnership aims to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across various vessel segments, marking a significant step toward maritime decarbonization and innovative ship design.
HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering has signed a $4 billion MOU with Tamil Nadu and Sagarmala Finance Corporation to establish a greenfield shipyard in Thoothukudi. This marks the first foreign-owned shipyard in India, with a production capacity of 3.5 to 4 million tonnes, aimed at enhancing the local shipbuilding ecosystem.
The initiative to reintroduce nuclear energy into commercial shipping is gaining momentum. The American Bureau of Shipping and HD Hyundai are collaborating on a Joint Development Project to explore nuclear-powered propulsion for large containerships. This effort aims to create a nuclear-powered electric propulsion system, addressing decarbonization in the maritime industry.
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has granted approval in principle to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for a floating offshore substation design tailored for deepwater wind farms. This innovative concept features a robust structural health management system, enhancing asset integrity and enabling efficient electricity transmission from wind turbines to onshore grids.
HD Hyundai announced a preliminary agreement with the Tamil Nadu government to establish a new shipyard, aiming to boost the local economy. Chosen for its favorable climate, Thoothukudi will host this initiative. India seeks to enhance its shipbuilding capacity under the “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” partnering with South Korea for advanced technology.
South Korea’s shipbuilding sector is witnessing a surge in container ship orders, led by HD Hyundai’s landmark contract with HMM worth 2.13 trillion won. This order includes eight LNG dual-fuel vessels, marking HD Hyundai’s largest since 2007. The resurgence is attributed to stricter environmental regulations and the need for modernized fleets.
South Korean shipbuilding leader HD Hyundai has marked a historic achievement by delivering its 5,000th vessel, a testament to its 50-year journey since the inaugural 260,000-ton supertanker Atlantic Baron in 1974. The latest delivery, the Philippine patrol vessel Diego Silang, underscores this remarkable milestone in the industry.
HD Hyundai has partnered with the Government of India to support the “Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047,” enhancing shipbuilding capabilities. Recent discussions between Chairman Chung Ki-sun and Minister Hardeep Singh Puri focused on collaboration in ship design and fleet expansion. The partnership aims to modernize India’s maritime infrastructure with significant investments.
At the GasTech 2025 Exhibition in Milan, Everllence, along with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, announced a strategic partnership to develop a next-generation medium-sized gas carrier powered by Everllence’s ammonia-fueled engine. This collaboration aims to advance zero-carbon propulsion in the maritime industry.
At Gastech 2025, DNV awarded an Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for their next-generation LNG and VLEC designs. Featuring innovative rotor sails and a forward accommodation layout, these vessels enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, marking a significant step towards sustainable maritime solutions.
HD Hyundai is expanding its shipbuilding business to enhance competitiveness against Chinese firms by acquiring Doosan Vina for $207 million. This acquisition strengthens its capabilities in producing essential components for LNG plants and eco-friendly shipping. The company is also increasing its shipbuilding capacity in Vietnam, aiming for higher annual vessel production.
HD Hyundai Robotics and HD Hyundai Samho are collaborating to test German robots in shipbuilding, opting for Neura Robotics’ humanoid robot, 4NE1. Designed to assist in workflows amid labor shortages, this AI-powered robot can learn and handle complex tasks. The partnership aims to enhance ship assembly and welding efficiency.
