HD Hyundai and Kiewit will establish a US shipyard through a joint venture, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and operations in 2029. The facility is expected to create 3,000 jobs and support commercial and naval shipbuilding.
South Korean shipbuilding company HD Hyundai has signed an agreement with US engineering and construction firm Kiewit Corporation to establish a joint venture and build an advanced shipyard in the United States. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with operations targeted for 2029. The project is expected to create approximately 3,000 domestic jobs and expand US shipbuilding capacity.
The joint venture, named HD Kiewit Shipbuilding, will combine HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding technology and operational expertise with Kiewit’s engineering, construction and industrial fabrication capabilities. The companies aim to develop a modern shipbuilding facility that supports both commercial and defence-related maritime requirements.
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The new shipyard will explore opportunities to manufacture commercial vessels and logistics support ships for the US Navy. The partners are also considering producing ship blocks and modules for supply to other US shipyards. These components form essential parts of vessel construction and could support the wider American shipbuilding supply chain.
HD Hyundai plans to introduce advanced digital manufacturing technologies at the facility, including digital twins, automated production systems and robotic welding. These technologies are intended to improve production efficiency, quality and safety while helping address workforce challenges in the US shipbuilding industry. The company also plans to support technical training to develop local workers and strengthen domestic supply chains.
The project comes amid efforts by the United States to rebuild its shipbuilding capacity and strengthen its maritime industrial base. South Korea has pledged $150 billion towards the US shipbuilding sector as part of a broader $350 billion investment commitment for US projects linked to trade and tariff arrangements. The HD Hyundai-Kiewit venture is positioned to contribute to expanded industrial cooperation between the two countries.
The partnership follows an earlier strategic agreement between HD Hyundai and Kiewit in July 2026 to explore cooperation in shipbuilding, vessel construction and the production of ship components. The new joint venture represents a further step towards establishing a dedicated manufacturing presence in the US market.
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Beyond shipbuilding, the companies may expand their cooperation into port infrastructure in the future. The project’s location and detailed investment value have not been disclosed. Its progress will depend on site selection, construction planning and the development of commercial and government-related vessel opportunities.