HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has signed a memorandum of understanding with Fraser Industries covering shipyard modernization cooperation in the United States.
The agreement covers expertise across the full shipyard lifecycle, from construction and layout design to operations. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the intermediate holding company for HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding businesses, will provide solutions for yard and factory layouts, robotics and automation equipment, and cost and process optimization.
The modernization package will also include artificial intelligence and data-based digital systems for smart shipyard operations.
The two companies plan to sign a supply contract for a Shipyard Modernization Consulting Program within this year. Fraser Shipyards, located on the shore of Lake Superior, will serve as the demonstration site.
The Great Lakes region is a long-established U.S. centre for shipbuilding and vessel maintenance. It is also emerging as a core area for the U.S. government’s Maritime Prosperity Zone initiative.
Fraser Shipyards is participating in projects including the U.S. Coast Guard’s new light icebreaker program through the Great Lakes Shipbuilding Alliance.
The introduction of advanced operating techniques is expected to accelerate the modernization of the yard’s aging facilities. The cooperation also aligns with U.S. efforts to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capability.
Fraser Industries CEO Patrick Kelly said the partnership would mark a starting point for efforts to revive the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering CEO Kim Hyung-kwan said the company would provide expertise covering shipyard design and operations to support the development of Fraser Shipyards.
HD Hyundai also plans further activities involving local shipbuilding cooperation in the United States and workforce training.
The modernization project marks a concrete implementation step following a commitment announced last year by HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun to support the U.S. maritime industry.
