HD Hyundai and Siemens have signed a memorandum of understanding to apply digital technologies to commercial shipbuilding in the US, aiming to change design and production workflows and to cut production risk and cost.
The companies said the agreement will pair HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding expertise with Siemens’ digital twin and industrial software platform capabilities to support end-to-end digitalisation from design through production.
The collaboration will target digital design workflows, automated block assembly and fit-up, and data-driven production and quality management to reduce manual iterations and drive more deterministic outcomes.
Since 2023, the two firms have been developing a manufacturing innovation platform that consolidates design and production data in a single digital ecosystem. It also enables virtual simulation of design and production sequences to reduce trial-and-error on the shop floor.
The MoU includes joint development of professional training programmes to build a workforce capable of operating the digital toolchain.
HD Hyundai plans to deploy instructors to more than 30 Siemens training centres in the US to deliver practical, hands-on instruction.
The company also intends to expand specialised curricula in engineering, digital design, and process automation through partnerships with universities such as the University of Michigan and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The partners said they will explore further business opportunities and expand the scope of cooperation to introduce technological changes across the shipbuilding sector and accelerate smart transformation of US shipyards.
HD Hyundai global strategy head Moon Sangmin said: “Maximising production efficiency through digital and automation technologies is key to the reconstruction of the US shipbuilding industry.
“HD Hyundai's accumulated shipbuilding technology and Siemens' digital capabilities will contribute to creating new opportunities for the US shipbuilding industry."
HD Hyundai framed the work as part of its Make American Shipbuilding Great Again initiative and cited existing US partnerships with Huntington Ingalls Industries in the naval market and Edison Chouest Offshore in the commercial segment.
The company also cited ongoing workforce development activities with Seoul National University, the UM and MIT.
In September this year, the Korean Register (KR) awarded Approval in Principle (AiP) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Donghwa Pneutec for their jointly developed LNG Boil-off Gas (BOG) Treatment System.
The announcement was made at Gastech 2025, in partnership with the Liberian Registry.
