HD Hyundai and Kiewit Maritime Co. plan to form HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC to develop an advanced U.S. shipyard on an existing industrial site with deep water and unrestricted Gulf access. The companies target a 2027 construction start and full-scale operations in 2029. At full operating scale, the shipyard could support up to 3,000 jobs.
What it means
The proposed HD Kiewit Shipbuilding venture would combine HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology with Kiewit’s fabrication and construction capabilities. Plans call for a purpose-built yard using HD Hyundai’s Future of Shipyard model and digital manufacturing tools, including digital twins, automated production systems and robotic welding.
The venture will explore work on naval auxiliary vessels, commercial vessels, and ship blocks and modules for U.S. shipbuilders. The companies also intend to support technical training and workforce development and expand their cooperation into maritime infrastructure.
Key facts
- Construction is targeted to begin in 2027.
- Full-scale operations are targeted for 2029.
- The shipyard could support up to 3,000 jobs at full operating scale, according to the companies.
- The proposed site has deep water and unrestricted access to the Gulf.
- Planned production technology includes digital twins, automated systems and robotic welding.
- HD Hyundai and Kiewit announced their strategic partnership in July.
Source: HD Hyundai and Kiewit shipbuilding joint venture announcement