South Korean firm HD Hyundai and North American company Kiewit Maritime plan to establish a shipyard in the United States to build auxiliary vessels for the U.S. Navy and commercial ships. The facility is also expected to produce ship blocks and modules for the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
Construction could begin in 2027
The proposed joint venture, named HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC, would be built on an existing industrial site. The companies have not disclosed the exact location, but said the site would have deep-water access and an unrestricted route to the Gulf of Mexico.
Construction is expected to start in 2027, with full operations planned for 2029. The companies say the shipyard could support up to 3,000 full-time jobs.
Digital technology and automation at the core
The project is intended to create modern production facilities while making use of existing industrial infrastructure. Plans include digital twins, automated production systems and robotic welding—technologies the companies say could improve productivity, quality and safety throughout the shipbuilding process.
HD Hyundai has described the venture as a contribution to strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industry and expanding cooperation between the United States and South Korea.
The project follows South Korean investment commitments
The plan comes after South Korea approved $350 billion in investments in U.S. projects selected by President Donald Trump in July 2025. The package includes $150 billion for U.S. shipbuilding and was linked to a reduction in tariffs on South Korean imports.
Existing ties to the U.S. defense industry
HD Hyundai is South Korea’s largest shipbuilder and already has partnerships with U.S. defense companies. Last year, it signed a memorandum of understanding with HII to explore opportunities in military and commercial shipbuilding. In August, the two companies also launched a pilot program to deploy intelligent mechanized welding equipment at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
Kiewit Maritime is affiliated with Kiewit, a North American construction and engineering company with experience building bases, shipyards and other infrastructure projects for the U.S. military.
