The U.S.-Korea Shipbuilding Cooperation Center officially opened in Washington, D.C., on July 23, marking the start of the Make American Shipbuilding Great Again project. The initiative, valued at approximately 200 trillion won or $136.6 billion, aims to strengthen bilateral ties in the maritime industry.
The opening ceremony took place at the Mayflower Hotel and was attended by high-level officials from both nations, including South Korean Trade Minister Kim Jung-kwan and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
During the event, representatives from South Korea’s major shipbuilding firms and U.S. government agencies signed 15 memorandums of understanding. These agreements cover supply chain cooperation, workforce development, and technological research. The center is located within the Washington, D.C., branch of the Korea International Trade Association and will operate as a forward base until 2028.
It will receive a budget of 19.9 billion won, or about $13.6 million, to support its mission.
Key partnerships were established between South Korean firms and U.S. technology providers. HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering collaborated with Siemens to develop an AI-based virtual shipyard. Hanwha Ocean signed a contract with Leidos Gibbs & Cox to co-design a dual-use high-speed transport vessel suitable for both military and commercial applications.
Samsung Heavy Industries obtained certification for an LNG bunkering vessel and began industry-academia research with U.S. universities. HJ Shipbuilding will lead the development of AI welding technology.
Minister Kim described the center as a global platform for unprecedented cooperation and a symbol of South Korea’s commitment to rebuilding the American shipbuilding industry. Secretary Lutnick emphasized a focus on results over process, stating that regulatory barriers would be removed to facilitate construction in the United States.