First Joint Forum of Private Shipbuilding Experts
Second Session Scheduled in the US in October
"Talent Development Is Key... Admiration for Korean Shipbuilding"
HD Hyundai brought together shipbuilding experts from Korea and the United States to discuss future cooperation. This is the first private forum aimed at jointly developing shipbuilding technology and nurturing talent.
On June 24, HD Hyundai held the "Korea-US Shipbuilding Cooperation Expert Forum" at the Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. This event follows the educational agreement signed last year in the United States among HD Hyundai, Seoul National University, and the University of Michigan. The event was also attended by Korea's Office of Industrial Policy, Seoul National University, KAIST, and others. Key participants included HD Hyundai Senior Vice Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Andrew Gaitley, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs at the US Embassy in Korea, and Lee Seungryul, Director General for Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
American shipbuilding and marine experts visited Ulsan HD Hyundai Heavy Industries on the 23rd. HD Hyundai
There were about 40 shipbuilding and marine engineering experts gathered from both countries. From Korea, professors from seven universities including Seoul National University and KAIST participated, while from the US, faculty from six universities including the University of Michigan and MIT attended. In his opening remarks, Senior Vice Chairman Chung stated, "This cooperation goes beyond simple personnel exchange and marks the starting point of a maritime alliance that shares technology and vision," adding, "Let us work closely together for the development of both industries."
David Singer, a professor at the University of Michigan who delivered the keynote speech for the US side, said, "The ability to build massive and complex ships at an astonishing speed is truly remarkable," and emphasized, "As nurturing talent is the most important factor in revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, cooperation with HD Hyundai represents a significant opportunity for the United States."
In the afternoon, a session will be held at Seoul National University to share educational programs and discuss joint talent development strategies. On the final day of the forum, the following day, the agenda will include discussions on joint research areas such as smart yards.
Prior to the forum, on the previous day, the American faculty visited the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan. They toured the production sites for commercial and special-purpose vessels and received briefings on smart shipyards and autonomous navigation technologies.
Meanwhile, the second session of this forum is scheduled to take place in the United States in October. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for concrete shipbuilding and marine cooperation between the two countries.
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