Korea is exploring collaboration with India in shipbuilding and marine equipment manufacturing, recognizing India’s potential in ship repair and construction. This partnership could enhance technological exchanges and economic benefits, fostering mutual growth. As both nations engage, the initiative promises advancements in maritime technology and a more resilient maritime ecosystem.
GustoMSC, a subsidiary of NOV, has secured contracts to design and supply equipment for Hanwha Ocean’s new wind turbine installation vessel, based on the NG-16000X design. Scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028, this vessel will enhance South Korea’s offshore wind capabilities, supporting the government’s goal of 25 GW by 2035.
Bundles of celadon bowls, along with wooden oars and remnants of a ship from the Goryeo era, were discovered off Taean’s coast. This significant find, revealed during a sonar survey by the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage, enhances our understanding of the region’s maritime history and shipbuilding techniques.
Korea’s leading shipbuilders are ramping up their presence in India, driven by the nation’s goal to become a maritime powerhouse. Samsung Heavy Industries has partnered with Swan Defence, while HD Korea Shipbuilding collaborates with Cochin Shipyard to enhance ship design and production. India aims to ascend the global shipbuilding ranks by 2047.
On September 28, 2025, the Ulsan Port Authority celebrated a milestone with Korea’s first methanol bunkering for a dual-fuel bulk carrier. The operation, involving the “Green Future,” underscores Ulsan’s commitment to sustainable marine fuel, following its pioneering methanol bunkering demonstrations for container ships in 2023-2024.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) has signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding with HD Korea Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering, announced at the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Gujarat. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s shipbuilding capabilities, generate 2,000 jobs, and align with the Maritime India Vision 2030 initiative.
Korean Register (KR) has partnered with Avikus, LAB021, Mapsea, and Marineworks through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance digital transformation in the maritime sector. This collaboration aims to develop advanced digital solutions, focusing on smart, autonomous, and low-carbon technologies to improve ship operations and meet global decarbonization standards.
SK Incheon Petrochem has launched Korea’s first bio marine fuel, B30, comprising 30% bio-based materials and 70% Straight Run Fuel Oil (SRFO). This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the shipping sector, aligning with international standards and contributing to sustainability in maritime operations. Official supply began on April 26, 2025.
VINSSEN, a leader in maritime decarbonization technology, has received Approval in Principle certification for Korea’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered tugboat. This achievement, in collaboration with KRE, showcases a major step towards reducing emissions in the maritime industry. The innovative propulsion system combines fuel cell and battery technology for efficient and sustainable operations.
South Korea’s HD Hyundai is actively exploring opportunities in India for a shipyard location or partnership, in line with India’s goal to become a world-class shipbuilder. The South Korean shipbuilder is touring India’s facilities and engaging with domestic shipbuilders for potential partnerships.
South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is leading a demonstration of autonomous operations on a large containership as part of a government-sponsored program. Equipped with specially designed systems, the vessel is showcasing autonomous collision avoidance and remote control capabilities. The initiative aims to advance technology development and establish international standards for autonomous shipping.
South Korea has achieved a major milestone in autonomous shipping with the successful installation and testing of the first containership with an integrated automation system. The vessel, POS Singapore, built as part of a government program, is now heading to Shanghai for a year of validation testing.
Hanwha Ocean, a South Korean shipbuilder, is investing $1.3 billion in safety enhancements at its shipyard operations over the next three years. This decision comes after criticism from the government and unions for lax safety protocols. The investment will include a smart system using AI, body cameras for workers, and replacing outdated equipment.
The South Korean shipbuilding industry faced its first coordinated work stoppage on August 28, as union members demanded salary increases, changes to bonus systems, and more new hires. The strike involved major shipbuilders and midsized yards, with plans for further actions if progress is not made before the Chuseok holiday in September.
Hyundai’s HD Hyundai is making significant investments in hydrogen fuel cells to strengthen its position in the shipping industry. By establishing a new division, HD Hydrogen, and acquiring a majority stake in a Finnish company, the company aims to tap into the growing market for hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysis technologies. Initial focus will be on stationary power generation, followed by applications in the marine fuel cell market.
