HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has launched Cimbote, the first of two landing support ships being built with SIMA shipyard for the Peruvian Navy. The milestone marks the first time the company has reached the launch stage of a naval vessel built jointly overseas.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said the launching ceremony for Cimbote was held at the SIMA shipyard in Peru. Attendees included Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori, Commander General of the Peruvian Navy Federico Javier Bravo de Rueda, Republic of Korea Ambassador to Peru Choi Jong-wook and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Wonho.
The vessel is part of a four-ship order awarded to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries by the Peruvian Navy in April 2024. The order covers a frigate, an offshore patrol vessel and two next-generation landing support ships.
Cimbote is the first of the two landing support vessels. The second ship, Talara, completed its onshore construction process earlier in August.
Both ships are multipurpose landing support vessels intended for personnel and supply transport, logistical support, and disaster and emergency response. Their names are taken from major port cities in Peru.
The project divides construction responsibilities between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and SIMA shipyard. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is responsible for design and technical support, while SIMA handles block production, assembly, outfitting, testing and sea trials using its production facilities in Peru.
The arrangement uses local construction rather than building completed vessels in Korea for subsequent overseas delivery. This production method reflects Peru’s requirements for local production.
South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense and Defense Acquisition Program Administration supported the vessel export project through cooperation with the Peruvian government. The Republic of Korea Embassy in Peru and KOTRA also assisted communications and used their local networks to support the project.
Joo Wonho said the launch resulted from cooperation between South Korea’s public and private sectors. He added that the company would work to strengthen the competitiveness of Korean-built ships and diversify its export markets.
Separately, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is carrying out the basic design of a 1,500 t class next-generation submarine for the Peruvian Navy. The company is continuing to cooperate with the Peruvian government with the aim of starting construction of the lead submarine immediately after the design is completed.
