HD KSOE Partners with University of Michigan to Foster US Ship Engineers

Joint Programs and Internships

HD KSOE, along with Seoul National University, Korea’s top university, will conduct joint research and education programs, including internships in the shipbuilding sector, with the prestigious US university known for its outstanding engineering and business management programs. This initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness of the US shipbuilding industry and explore collaboration opportunities between the US and Korea in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of US battleships.

Strategic Goals and Market Opportunities

HD KSOE’s technical advisor, Shin Jong-gye, highlighted the potential of this partnership to open up the US and Korea’s collaboration opportunities in the US naval ship MRO sector. Earlier this month, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. (HD HHI), the world’s leading shipbuilder, signed a Ship Maintenance Relations Agreement (MSRA) with the US Navy, allowing the Korean shipbuilder to compete for the US Navy’s MRO work over the next five years. The US naval ship MRO market is estimated at 20 trillion won ($14.4 billion) annually.

Support and Future Plans

The partnership was actively organized by US Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, who visited HHI’s headquarters in Ulsan, Korea, known for its top-notch shipbuilding facilities, in February. Del Toro emphasized that the collaboration would provide invaluable opportunities for civilian and navy engineers to learn in HD Hyundai’s world-class shipyards. Additionally, HD KSOE and Seoul National University are seeking to establish partnerships with other leading US universities, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Virginia Tech. HD KSOE controls other shipbuilders, including HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co. and HD Hyundai Samho Co.