HD Hyundai and Kiewit Form US Shipbuilding Joint Venture

HD Hyundai USA LLC and Kiewit Maritime Co. announced plans on October 22, 2026, to establish HD Kiewit Shipbuilding LLC, a joint venture dedicated to developing an advanced shipyard in the United States. The facility will be built on an existing industrial site with deep water access to the Gulf, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and full-scale operations targeted for 2029.

The shipyard will implement the Future of Shipyard model, integrating digital twins, robotic welding, and automated production systems. The venture intends to support up to 3,000 jobs and will focus on the production of commercial vessels, naval auxiliary vessels, and ship block and module fabrication for other domestic shipbuilders.

The partnership aims to strengthen U.S. domestic supply chains and expand shipbuilding cooperation between the United States and South Korea. By combining HD Hyundai's technology and shipyard operating capabilities with Kiewit's large-scale fabrication and construction experience, the companies seek to modernize U.S. shipbuilding capacity and develop a more skilled workforce.