Samsung Heavy Industries is further expanding its shipbuilding cooperation with the United States. The company announced on December 5 that it has signed a three-party business cooperation agreement with General Dynamics NASSCO and Korea’s DSEC at the International WorkBoat Show held in New Orleans from December 3 to 5 (local time).
Under the agreement, Samsung Heavy Industries will work with NASSCO and DSEC to expand business in ship design, equipment and component supply, workforce development, and other related fields. The three companies will also review options for jointly bidding on the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) program.
The NGLS is expected to play a crucial role in naval operations by efficiently supplying fuel, ammunition, and provisions with enhanced mobility. These vessels are essential for forward-deployed missions and fleet support.
NASSCO, a shipbuilding subsidiary of General Dynamics based in San Diego, specializes in designing and producing a variety of naval auxiliaries and commercial vessels. The company operates five shipyards across four U.S. states and has an extensive portfolio in both military and commercial shipbuilding.
DSEC, a Korean marine engineering firm, entered into a strategic partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries in November to expand global businesses including in the U.S. DSEC and NASSCO have worked closely for over 20 years, and the new agreement is expected to create strong synergies among the three companies.
Samsung Heavy Industries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Conrad Shipyard to collaborate on LNG bunkering vessel construction. Conrad operates five shipyards across Louisiana and Texas and builds various vessels such as barges and tugboats, while also engaging in ship repair and conversion.
Through this partnership, Samsung Heavy Industries and Conrad plan to jointly target the U.S. LNG bunkering market, which is anticipated to grow rapidly due to increasing demand for eco-friendly fuel and the competitiveness of LNG pricing.
The latest agreements enable Samsung Heavy Industries to establish cooperative frameworks in the U.S. not only in LNG bunkering but also in naval logistics shipbuilding and the broader commercial vessel sector. This will further strengthen the company’s competitive presence in the United States.
“With 50 years of accumulated expertise, we will maximize synergy through MASGA collaboration,” a Samsung Heavy Industries official said. “We also plan to accelerate technology exchange and talent development to help enhance competitiveness in the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” the official added.
The agreements are expected to serve as an important foothold for Samsung Heavy Industries as it strengthens its position in the U.S. shipbuilding market and expands its global presence across diverse sectors.
