HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fraser Industries to modernise its US shipyards, with an initial focus on Fraser Shipyards in Wisconsin as a demonstration project for wider shipyard revitalisation.
The agreement covers the full shipyard lifecycle, including shipyard assessments, yard and factory layout design, robotics and automation, production optimisation, AI-based digital systems, supply chain development and workforce training.
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering says it will provide an integrated package of shipyard design and construction expertise, production and operational systems, and data management capabilities based on its experience in developing and operating smart shipyards.
The companies plan to sign a contract later this year for a shipyard modernisation consulting programme, using Fraser Shipyards on Lake Superior as a model for future US shipyard development. The yard is part of the Great Lakes Shipyard Alliance alongside Fincantieri Marine Group and Donjon Marine, and is involved in projects including the US Coast Guard’s new light icebreaker programme.
“I am very pleased to join hands with HD Hyundai, which possesses world-class technological capabilities, to introduce advanced techniques across shipyard operations,” said Patrick Kelly, CEO of Fraser Industries.
The agreement is the first project since HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering added digital engineering and manufacturing platforms to its business services portfolio earlier this year and identified shipyard construction services as a future growth area.
“We plan to provide the know-how needed from shipyard design through to operation so as to support Fraser Shipyards in becoming a hub for the rebuilding of the US shipbuilding industry,” said Kim Hyung-Kwan, President & CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.
“Going forward, we will expand the scope of cooperation into various areas and become a reliable partner for the US shipbuilding industry.”
