Saronic has signed a strategic partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to work together on the development of autonomy-capable vessels at its US shipbuilding facilities.
The agreement will combine Saronic’s autonomous surface vessel technology with SHI’s shipbuilding and production automation expertise to support the construction of autonomous vessels for government and commercial customers.
The companies say they will also explore the development of AI-enabled digital systems and robotics-based process automation for Saronic’s shipyards.
The partnership was announced during the launch of the Korea–US Shipbuilding Partnership Center (KUSPC) in Washington, D.C., an organisation established to strengthen shipbuilding cooperation between the two countries.
“We are proud to partner with SHI, bringing together Saronic’s maritime autonomy and next-generation manufacturing with Samsung’s storied shipbuilding and technology pedigree,” said Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic.
The collaboration follows Saronic’s recent announcement that it will build its US$3bn Port Alpha shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, alongside a US$300m expansion of its shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana.
“By combining Saronic’s expertise in maritime autonomy with our expertise in shipbuilding, including production automation, we look forward to working together to create a more competitive future,” said Choi Sung-An, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries.
