Ulsan: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and Hanwha Ocean Co., South Korea’s prominent shipbuilders, have committed to deepening their collaboration with the United States in naval shipbuilding and maintenance. This pledge was made during a visit by a senior U.S. Navy official, as confirmed by the companies on Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited HD Hyundai Heavy’s headquarters in Ulsan, approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul. This visit was part of his two-nation Asian tour, which also included Japan. Following Ulsan, Phelan proceeded to a Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Geoje, located in the southern region of South Korea.

HD Hyundai Heavy reported that Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, in his meeting with Phelan in Ulsan, highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. in maritime security. Chung emphasized the company’s extensive expertise in naval shipbuilding and discussed potential collaborations in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for U.S. naval assets. The discussions also explored opportunities in future ship developments.

Meanwhile, Kim Dong-kwan, Hanwha Group’s vice chairman, conducted a tour for Phelan at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard, where MRO operations were underway for the USNS Yukon, a 31,000-ton replenishment oiler vessel from the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. Kim highlighted Hanwha Ocean’s significant role in South Korea-U.S. naval cooperation, referencing the successful completion of a previous U.S. Navy MRO project and the company’s acquisition of Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia last year.

Kim further stated that Hanwha Ocean has developed a strong construction system to meet U.S. Navy requirements and aims to become “the most trusted partner” for American naval programs.