South Korea’s HD Hyundai USA LLC (HD Hyundai) and Kiewit Maritime Co. (Kiewit), an affiliate of Kiewit Offshore Services, have announced plans to establish a joint venture focused on developing an advanced shipyard.
The proposed venture, HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC, would combine HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology and shipyard operating expertise with Kiewit’s large-scale fabrication and construction capabilities, supported by the experience and the facilities of its affiliate, Kiewit Offshore Services, Kiewit said.
The proposed HD Kiewit Shipbuilding venture envisions a new, purpose-built shipyard on an existing industrial site.
The construction is targeted to begin in 2027, with full-scale operations targeted for 2029. At full operating scale, the shipyard could support up to 3,000 jobs.
The joint venture will explore opportunities involving naval auxiliary and commercial vessels, as well as ship block and module fabrication for U.S. shipbuilders.
The companies also intend to expand their cooperation into maritime infrastructures.
The proposed facility would incorporate HD Hyundai’s Future of Shipyard (FOS) model, including digital twins, automated production systems and robotic welding, aimed at improving shipbuilding productivity, quality and safety.
“Through our affiliate, Kiewit Offshore Services, and the broader Kiewit organization, we bring the people, facilities and experience needed to execute complex fabrication work,” said Chad Johnson, president of Kiewit Maritime Co. “Together with HD Hyundai’s world-class shipbuilding expertise, we see an opportunity to build a modern shipyard that expands U.S. shipbuilding capacity, develops a skilled workforce and strengthens the domestic supply chain.”
