SEOUL, May 16 (Yonhap) — The chief executive officers (CEOs) of HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean Co., South Korea’s major shipbuilders, met with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer to explore cooperation in the shipbuilding sector, the companies said Friday.
HD Hyundai CEO Chung Ki-sun and Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-cheul had separate meetings with Greer on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ meeting, held on Jeju Island from Thursday to Friday, according to the companies.
The meetings marked the first official dialogue between the USTR and South Korea’s shipbuilding industry.
During the talks, Chung emphasized the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in shipbuilding through joint technology development, process collaboration and workforce training programs, HD Hyundai said in a press release.
“We deeply appreciate the United States’ commitment to rebuilding its shipbuilding industry. HD Hyundai is fully prepared and willing to contribute wherever our expertise is needed,” Chung said.
Addressing concerns over the dominance of Chinese cranes in U.S. ports, Chung introduced HD Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., an affiliate with crane manufacturing capabilities.
He also underlined the importance of diversifying the U.S. port equipment supply chain through closer U.S.–Korea cooperation.
Chung also serves as executive vice chairman of HD Hyundai, South Korea’s leading shipbuilding conglomerte.
Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim discussed various measures to strengthen strategic cooperation with Greer, including the implementation of smart production systems and the transfer of advanced shipbuilding technologies.
The company plans to apply its smart production system, currently used at its Geoje shipyard, to Philly Shipyard, which it acquired in the U.S. last year. It is also considering the construction of a new shipyard in the U.S. to expand production capacity.
“Hanwha Ocean aims to go beyond technology transfer and production infrastructure development to become a strategic partner in revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” Kim said.
In this photo taken May 16, 2025, and provided by HD Hyundai Co., Chung Ki-sun (R), executive vice chairman and CEO of the group, shakes hands with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer ahead of a meeting to discuss shipbuilding cooperation on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation trade ministers’ meeting held on Jeju Island from May 15–16. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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