- Samsung Heavy Industries has signed a strategic partnership with U.S.-based Vigor Marine Group to collaborate on the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of U.S. Navy support ships.
- The agreement, signed in Washington during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit, paves the way for expanded cooperation into merchant ships, special-purpose vessels, and joint construction projects in the U.S. and abroad.
- Samsung Heavy also plans to explore broader collaboration in equipment clusters and workforce training centers in the U.S., strengthening its foothold in naval and commercial shipbuilding.
Samsung Heavy Industries announced on Tuesday that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Vigor Marine Group, a U.S. shipbuilder specializing in naval and special mission vessel maintenance. The agreement, signed in Washington during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit, marks Samsung’s entry into the U.S. Navy’s MRO sector. Leveraging its shipbuilding expertise, advanced facilities, and operational know-how, Samsung aims to play an active role in supporting the Navy’s fleet readiness and modernization needs.
Future Cooperation Plans
Beyond naval MRO, Samsung Heavy intends to broaden the partnership into the merchant ship and special-purpose vessel segments, with opportunities for joint construction projects alongside U.S. shipyards. The company is also exploring similar partnerships in Southeast Asia and other international regions to diversify and strengthen its global presence. As part of this vision, Samsung will consider building collaborative shipbuilding equipment clusters and establishing training centers in the U.S. to develop skilled shipbuilders and sailors.
Partner Profile – Vigor Marine Group
Vigor Marine Group brings extensive experience in naval support vessel MRO, operating Navy-certified shipyards and processing plants across Oregon, Washington, California, and Virginia. Its strong position in the U.S. defense and maritime sector makes it a strategic partner for Samsung Heavy as it seeks to expand into the American naval and commercial shipbuilding markets.
Leadership Statement
Samsung Heavy Industries CEO Choi Sung-an expressed confidence in the partnership, saying: “We are deeply honored to collaborate with Vigor Marine Group, a leading MRO shipbuilder in the United States. We will strive to provide world-class MRO services and lay the groundwork for the construction of merchant ships and support vessels in the U.S. based on these achievements.”
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Source: Yonhap News Agency
