South Korea’s HD Hyundai and Nebraska-based engineering firm Kiewit have established a joint venture to construct an advanced shipyard in the US.
Named HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC, the partnership will break ground in 2027 on an existing industrial site featuring deep-water access.
Planned infrastructure will center on a purpose-built “smart” complex instead of modernizing an aging facility.
That center will incorporate HD Hyundai’s Future of Shipyard model, deploying digital twins, automated production systems, and robotic welding to enhance productivity and safety.
In its early stages, the venture will initially focus on US Navy auxiliary vessels, commercial ships, and module fabrication for domestic shipyards.
Activities will leverage HD Hyundai’s over 50 years of experience in producing modern maritime platforms and engines alongside Kiewit’s handling of intricate assemblies, engineering work, and associated procurement processes.
“Together with HD Hyundai’s world-class shipbuilding expertise, we see an opportunity to build a modern shipyard that expands US shipbuilding capacity, develops a skilled workforce and strengthens the domestic supply chain,” said Chad Johnson, president of Kiewit Maritime Co.
3,000 Jobs by 2029
According to the consortium, the upcoming business will support up to 3,000 jobs.
It will also drive opportunities across technical training, workforce development, and logistics.
HD Kiewit Shipbuilding is scheduled to reach full-scale operations by 2029.
“Our proposed joint venture HD Kiewit Shipbuilding marks an important milestone in HD Hyundai’s journey to become a strategic partner to the US shipbuilding industry,” said Hannae Choi, executive vice president and head of the corporate planning division of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.
