Full-Scale Launch of MASGA Project Technology Collaboration
Pursuing Both Digital Transformation and Workforce Development
HD Hyundai is partnering with Germany's Siemens to drive the digital transformation and modernization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry. This move marks the full-scale launch of building a technological foundation for MASGA, the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation project.
HD Hyundai announced on November 2 that it recently signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Siemens at the Lahan Select Hotel in Gyeongju, focusing on "Modernization of the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry and Strengthening Technological Competitiveness." Through this agreement, both companies aim to enhance the overall industrial competitiveness of U.S. shipyards by improving design quality, minimizing process risks, and reducing costs.
HD Hyundai and Siemens signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on "Modernization of the U.S. Shipbuilding Industry and Strengthening Technological Competitiveness" in Gyeongju, where the 'APEC 2025' event was held. Photo by HD Hyundai
The plan is to accelerate the digital transformation of production processes by combining HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding expertise with Siemens’ digital twin and business platform technologies. In particular, the companies will pursue step-by-step technological innovations such as: ▲ advanced digitalization of ship design, ▲ automation and smartification of block assembly and installation processes, and ▲ data-driven optimization of production, quality, and process management.
In addition to technological collaboration, the two companies will also focus on training shipbuilding professionals. HD Hyundai will dispatch instructors to more than 30 Siemens training facilities across the United States and jointly operate field-oriented, practical training programs. They also plan to develop specialized curricula in engineering, digital design, and process automation through industry-academia partnerships with leading universities such as the University of Michigan and MIT.
Since 2023, HD Hyundai and Siemens have been jointly developing a manufacturing innovation platform. The goal is to implement the entire process from design to production on a single data platform, reducing trial and error and achieving optimal productivity. An HD Hyundai representative stated, "Maximizing production efficiency through digital and automation technologies is key to revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The combination of HD Hyundai’s shipbuilding expertise and Siemens’ digital capabilities will mark a new turning point for restoring the competitiveness of U.S. shipyards."
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai is expanding its cooperation network in the United States, centered on the MASGA project. Previously, the company signed strategic partnerships with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) in the naval vessel sector and Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) in the merchant ship sector. In addition, HD Hyundai is running shipbuilding talent development programs in collaboration with Seoul National University, the University of Michigan, and MIT.
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