HD Hyundai Hosts "Future Tech Forum - Shipbuilding" at APEC in Gyeongju
Showcasing Next-Generation Defense Technologies and Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation
"AI Is Rapidly Transforming the Industry... Robotics Will Be Utilized"
Jung Ki-sun, Chairman of HD Hyundai, emphasized the necessity of a close "global innovation alliance" for the sustainable growth of the shipbuilding industry. He argued that global-level cooperation is essential to address the challenges facing the shipbuilding sector, such as the development of autonomous ships, the imposition of carbon levies, and shipbuilding collaboration between Korea and the United States. Regarding the recent agreement to cooperate with Huntington Ingalls, the largest defense shipbuilding company in the United States, in the construction of the U.S. Navy's next-generation logistics support vessels, he announced the start of full-scale collaboration, stating, "We will participate in new initiatives for maritime dominance."
As his first official activity since taking office, Chairman Jung attended the 'Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Korea 2025' held in Gyeongju on the 27th, where he presented the future direction of the shipbuilding industry. Taking the stage as the keynote speaker at the 'Future Tech Forum - Shipbuilding' session held at Munmu Hall in Expo Park, Gyeongju, he stated, "Close cooperation across industries and a global innovation alliance for innovation are necessary."
Jung Ki-sun, Chairman of HD Hyundai, is speaking at the 'Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Korea 2025 Future Tech Forum - Shipbuilding' session held on the 27th at Munmu Hall, Expo Park, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. HD Hyundai
Chairman Jung identified artificial intelligence (AI) as the first key topic for the shipbuilding industry. He explained, "AI is rapidly transforming our industry in unprecedented ways," adding, "By utilizing advanced robotics technology, we are addressing the chronic shortage of skilled labor and building autonomous shipyards that can operate 24 hours a day while ensuring greater safety." He continued, "We are expanding AI-based autonomous navigation technology into the defense sector," and introduced, "When vessel autonomy and mission autonomy technologies are combined, they will completely change the paradigm of naval operations."
Chairman Jung pointed out that the development of eco-friendly ships has become an urgent priority that significantly impacts corporate profitability today. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is currently discussing the introduction of a new global carbon levy. He stated, "We are mobilizing every means available, including energy innovation technologies such as electric propulsion, fuel cells, low-carbon fuels like ammonia, and small modular reactors (SMRs)."
Regarding collaboration with Huntington Ingalls on naval vessels, Chairman Jung said, "HD Hyundai will serve as a reliable partner for America's maritime renaissance, participating in new initiatives for maritime dominance and prosperity, including the construction of the U.S. Navy's next-generation fleet and the rebuilding of shipyards."
HD Hyundai held the 'Future Tech Forum - Shipbuilding' session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit Korea 2025 at Munmu Hall, Expo Park, Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk on the 27th. Gyeongju ? Photo by Oh Ji-eun
This forum is an APEC side event organized to share Korea's technological capabilities and industrial vision with the world. From today until the 30th, sessions will be held throughout Gyeongju on topics such as shipbuilding, defense, distribution, AI, and future energy. The event was attended by HD Hyundai executives and employees, as well as John Kim, Vice President and Korea Representative of Anduril, Patrick Ryan, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ABS, Joe Bohman, CTO of Siemens, Nicolaus Radford, CEO of PersonaAI, and Eric Chewning, Vice President of Huntington Ingalls.
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