In a move to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry and strengthen maritime security, HD Hyundai has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tampa Ship LLC, a key U.S. shipyard within the Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) group. The agreement aims to deliver U.S.-built, LNG dual-fuel containerships by 2028 and expand future collaboration in commercial and defense maritime sectors.
U.S.-Based Construction with Korean Expertise
The partnership will see HD Hyundai support Tampa Ship through design assistance, procurement of specialized equipment, and technology transfer. HD Hyundai will also participate in fabrication of ship blocks and invest in Tampa Ship’s technical infrastructure, significantly enhancing its production capabilities.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting the U.S. maritime industrial base and national security,” said an HD Hyundai spokesperson. “We view the United States as a key strategic partner and are proud to contribute to the revival of its commercial shipbuilding capabilities.”
Boosting American Shipbuilding Capacity
Tampa Ship, located in Tampa, Florida, has a long-standing history in American shipbuilding and is one of five ECO-operated shipyards. The collaboration seeks to address the current shortage of domestically built containerships—a gap highlighted by Clarksons Research, which noted only three U.S. orders for 3,600 TEU-class ships between 2022 and 2024.
With first vessel deliveries expected in 2028, the project will focus on medium-sized LNG dual-fuel containerships that align with evolving industry standards for decarbonization and clean energy.
Strengthening National Security and Industrial Resilience
Beyond containerships, the MoU lays the foundation for broader cooperation across multiple vessel classes and heavy port infrastructure, critical to U.S. maritime defense and logistics resilience.
Dino Chouest, Executive Vice President of ECO, and Hannae Choi, Vice President and Head of Corporate Planning at HD Hyundai, signed the agreement during a ceremony held on June 19.
Complementary Agreements and Long-Term Vision
This collaboration builds on HD Hyundai’s expanding U.S. footprint, including earlier 2025 agreements with Huntington Ingalls Industries and Fairbanks Morse Defense. The company is also investing in future talent through academic partnerships with institutions like the University of Michigan and Seoul National University.
The HD Hyundai–Tampa Ship partnership signals renewed momentum in U.S.–Korea industrial cooperation, aiming to merge advanced shipbuilding innovation with strategic regional development in North America.
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Source: PR NEWSWIRE
