Korean, US firms collaborate on manufacturing automation for shipbuilding
The tri-party MOA leverages decades of US-South Korean shipbuilding expertise.
South Korea-based companies DSEC Co., Ltd. and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (SHI) have inked a memorandum of agreement with General Dynamics NASSCO to collaborate on an enhanced ship design and manufacturing automation and technology in the US.
“The partnership will advance all three companies' endeavours into commercial, naval, and other government shipbuilding projects, including the US Navy's Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS), and will leverage decades of common experience and success teaming in US-South Korean shipbuilding,” the joint statement read.
General Dynamics NASSCO has been the U.S. leading designer and builder of major naval auxiliary and commercial vessels since the 1950s, delivering over 150 vessels to date. DSEC provides shipbuilding and marine engineering services, including ship design, material procurement, quality management, shipyard operations and development consulting, logistics support, and eco retrofit solutions.
"This MOA strengthens our long-standing collaboration with General Dynamics NASSCO by combining the capabilities of Samsung Heavy Industries, and we look forward to contributing greater value to the US shipbuilding and maritime industry," said Seogyong Youn, president of DSEC.
SHI, meanwhile, is one of the world's leading shipbuilders, specialising in the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and delivery of advanced commercial vessels. Its portfolio includes liquefied natural gas carriers, container ships, drill ships, and floating production units for the oil and gas industry.
It currently holds the top global market share in drill ships, LNG carriers, and floating LNG production units. The company is actively engaged in the construction of three FLNG units and 120 commercial ships.
"Through this tri-party collaboration, SHI is committed to leveraging its technological expertise, skilled workforce and production infrastructure to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. shipbuilding industries," said Joonyun Kang, director of SHI.
