Ulsan: U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan is set to visit South Korea's leading shipbuilders, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Hanwha Ocean Co., as part of efforts to boost bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding under President Donald Trump's administration. Phelan's itinerary includes visits to HD Hyundai Heavy's headquarters in Ulsan and Hanwha Ocean's shipyard in Geoje, according to industry sources.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Phelan plans to meet with top executives from both companies, including HD Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun and Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan. The discussions are expected to focus on potential collaboration in naval shipbuilding and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Phelan's visit aligns with Trump's emphasis on reviving the U.S. shipbuilding industry and forming strategic partnerships with allies like South Korea, recognized as a global leader in naval vessel construction. Prior to his visit to South Korea, Phelan toured shipyards in Japan and held discussions with Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to explore similar cooperation in naval ship maintenance.
During his Senate confirmation hearing earlier this year, Phelan noted Hanwha Ocean's acquisition of Philly Shipyard in the U.S. last year as a key opportunity to bring South Korean capital and technology into the American market.