HD KSOE, Samsung Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean recorded operating rates of 100% or more in H1 2026 while increasing investment in automation and shipyard facilities.
HD KSOE has ended its review of a joint venture with Cochin Shipyard for a new block fabrication plant, while design, procurement and equipment cooperation will continue.
Hanwha Ocean, HD KSOE and Samsung Heavy Industries are expanding U.S. cooperation in naval ship design, digital shipyards, autonomous vessels, workforce training and supply chains.
HD KSOE selected Siemens as a preferred partner for a unified digital platform linking ship design and production as one data flow across global shipyards, with phased rollout starting in 2026.
Siemens will build an integrated digital platform for HD KSOE to connect design-to-production workflows, supporting HD Hyundai’s “Future of Shipyard” program targeted for completion by 2030.
HD KSOE has installed its Korean-developed wing sail on HMM’s 50,000 dwt MR tanker Oriental Aquamarine, starting sea trials to measure real-world fuel savings and carbon reductions under varying conditions.
Korea’s big three shipbuilders are expected to secure $46.4 billion in 2026 orders and generate combined operating profit of 10.124 trillion won, driven by strong LNG carrier demand and Korea’s dominant market share.
HD Hyundai Group has confirmed a new order for one LNG carrier from “Asian shipowners”, with HD KSOE reporting that the deal lifts the group to 91.5% of its $18.05 billion annual order goal.
China’s shipbuilding sector faces a sharp 73% drop in new orders as global demand slows and U.S. restrictions tighten, while South Korea expands its market share in high-value vessels.
