“HD Hyundai is said to be in advanced negotiations with the American shipyards after having targeted two or three companies, writes South Korea’s Chosun Daily. It says the company is targeting a presence either in the San Diego area near the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet or along the Texas Gulf Coast. Chosun reports the company was preparing to announce a deal in July in Washington, D.C., but there was a last-minute disagreement on the price.”
“The reports indicate that HD Hyundai has already enlisted the support of U.S.-based private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management and the Korea Development Bank for the U.S. investment or acquisition. Hyundai and Cerberus already had a relationship, as it is leasing the newly relaunched Philippine shipyard from Cerberus. The reports also highlight that HD Hyundai’s intermediate-level company, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, also established a U.S.-based subsidiary, HD Hyundai USA, in May 2026.”
“HD Hyundai is reportedly looking to catch up with Hanwha, which acquired the Philly Shipyard in 2024, is investing in increasing the capabilities at the yard, and recently said it wanted to acquire the U.S. operations of Austal. HD Hyundai and Hanwha have emerged as key competitors to build warships.”
“… partnerships were expanded in 2026. HD Hyundai and Kiewit Offshore Services last month announced that they had entered into a Strategic Partnership Agreement to pursue collaboration on shipbuilding projects serving the U.S. market and other areas of mutual strategic interest. HD Hyundai and Siemens also signed a ‘nine-figure deal’ that establishes Siemens as a key technology partner for HD Hyundai’s next-generation shipbuilding and digitalization strategy focusing on U.S. shipbuilding.”