HD Hyundai, Kiewit Plan New Joint Gulf Coast Shipyard
HD Hyundai USA LLC and Kiewit Maritime Company are forming a joint venture to develop a new U.S. shipyard, with construction targeted to begin in 2027 and full-scale operations expected in 2029.
The companies announced October 22 that they plan to establish HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC, combining HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology and shipyard operating expertise with Kiewit’s fabrication and construction capabilities.
The planned shipyard will be developed on an existing industrial site with deepwater and unrestricted access to the Gulf. The companies have not yet identified the site.
At full operating scale, the shipyard could support up to 3,000 jobs. The companies also plan to support technical training and workforce development while strengthening domestic supply chains for marine components and logistics.
The facility is planned as the first U.S. application of HD Hyundai’s “Future of Shipyard” model. The companies said the yard will incorporate digital manufacturing technologies, including digital twins, automated production systems and robotic welding.
The technologies are intended to improve productivity, quality and safety throughout the shipbuilding process.
HD Kiewit Shipbuilding will explore opportunities to build naval auxiliary and commercial vessels, as well as fabricate ship blocks and modules for U.S. shipbuilders. The companies also plan to pursue opportunities involving maritime infrastructure.
“Together with HD Hyundai’s world-class shipbuilding expertise, we see an opportunity to build a modern shipyard that expands U.S. shipbuilding capacity, develops a skilled workforce and strengthens the domestic supply chain,” said Chad Johnson, president of Kiewit Maritime Company.
The joint venture builds on a strategic partnership between HD Hyundai and Kiewit Offshore Services announced earlier this year. That partnership focused on U.S. shipbuilding opportunities, including ship block and module fabrication.
The companies said the new venture will combine their respective shipbuilding, fabrication, engineering and construction capabilities as they pursue opportunities in the U.S. market.
