[Post-Corona Strategy] Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, 40 Years of Accumulated Warship Technology to the World

[Asia Economy Reporter Park So-yeon] Hyundai Heavy Industries is striving to overcome the uncertainties of the global economy caused by the unexpected spread of infectious diseases through leading technological development. Hyundai Heavy Industries continues to invest in research and development (R&D) through collaboration with leading domestic research institutions and is solidifying its position in overseas markets not only in commercial ships but also in the naval ship sector based on its excellent shipbuilding capabilities.

Since building Ulsan, South Korea's first warship, in 1975, Hyundai Heavy Industries has devoted significant efforts to the independent development of state-of-the-art vessels such as Aegis destroyers and next-generation submarines. In October last year, at the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2019), Hyundai Heavy Industries showcased the 'Korean Next-Generation Destroyer (KDDX)' reflecting the latest domestic and international naval technologies and the needs of the Republic of Korea Navy, based on over 40 years of accumulated shipbuilding technology. The company has also actively entered the global market by signing export contracts with foreign navies including those of New Zealand, Venezuela, and the Philippines.

In particular, Hyundai Heavy Industries has enhanced the status of 'Made in Korea' in the overseas naval ship market by securing orders for vessels with advanced technology from New Zealand, which dispatched warships to Korea during the Korean War, and successfully delivering ships ordered as part of the Philippine Navy modernization project.

To develop the Korean Aegis destroyer KDDX, Hyundai Heavy Industries is strengthening cooperation with leading domestic defense companies and research institutions. In February, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Future Technology Research Institute signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for mutual cooperation on 'Joint Research on Electric Propulsion System Technology for Next-Generation Warships' together with the Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute and Korean Register.

Additionally, in June, Hyundai Heavy Industries held the 'Next-Generation Advanced Smart Warship Technology Development Workshop' with POSCO, Hanwha Systems, Korean Register, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, and the Warship Technology Research Association. Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to successfully develop the Korean next-generation destroyer by consolidating its ship design experience and the capabilities of domestic defense companies and research institutions.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.