Selected as Preferred Negotiation Partner for Joint Production of Peruvian State-Owned SIMA Shipyard Escort Ships
Built Locally in Peru, HD Hyundai Heavy Undertakes Design, Equipment Supply, and Technical Support
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has officially entered the Latin American naval vessel market by securing an order for four ships from Peru. This marks the largest scale of defense exports to Latin America by a domestic company.
On the 29th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it was selected as the preferred partner for local joint production of four naval vessels worth a total of $462.9 million (approximately 620 billion KRW) from the Peruvian state-owned SIMA shipyard, including one 3,400-ton frigate, one 2,200-ton offshore patrol vessel, and two 1,500-ton landing ships.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to deliver these vessels sequentially to the Peruvian Navy by 2029 in cooperation with SIMA shipyard. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will handle the design, equipment supply, and technical support of the vessels, while SIMA shipyard will be responsible for the final construction.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated, "This order is especially meaningful as it was achieved by 'Team Korea,' consisting of government agencies such as the Ministry of National Defense, Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Korean Embassy in Peru, and KOTRA, overcoming strong competitors from Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands."
The Peruvian Navy plans to place additional orders for five frigates, four offshore patrol vessels, and two landing ships. Once the main contract is signed next month, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will continue to cooperate as a strategic partner for the Peruvian Navy's force enhancement over the next 15 years. Accordingly, the likelihood of securing follow-up projects is expected to increase significantly.
A bird's-eye view of the 3400-ton class frigate (center), 2200-ton class offshore patrol vessel (bottom), and 1500-ton class landing ship (top) ordered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries from Peru [Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries]
The South American region has many aging naval vessels, increasing demand for replacement with the latest ships, and this order is expected to serve as a stepping stone to expand exports to other countries in the region.
Juwonho, Vice President and Head of the Special Ship Business at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said, "This order will be an important milestone in pioneering the South American naval vessel market," adding, "We will expand the entry of K-ships into the South American market with abundant export experience and advanced technology."
The newly ordered frigate measures 127 meters in length, 14.9 meters in width, with a maximum speed of 26.5 knots and a cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles. It will be equipped with anti-ship missiles, vertical launch systems, and an AESA radar to enhance air defense detection capabilities.
The offshore patrol vessel is 95 meters long, 14.3 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 20 knots and a cruising range of 6,000 nautical miles, capable of operating medium-sized maritime helicopters. A mission module will be applied to allow easy modification of onboard equipment to perform various missions. The landing ship is 58 meters long, 13.2 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 10 knots and a cruising range of 1,500 nautical miles, capable of transporting more than seven large armored vehicles or over 20 20-foot containers.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries began its overseas naval vessel exports in 1987 by delivering an 8,400-ton naval auxiliary ship to New Zealand, and in 2022 secured an order for six 2,200-ton offshore patrol vessels developed for export from the Philippines, totaling 18 overseas naval vessels to date.
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