Samsung Heavy Industries to help design next generation of US Navy vessels

A view of the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, California / Courtesy of Samsung Heavy Industries

Samsung Heavy Industries is stepping into a high-stakes U.S. naval program, signaling a deepening industrial partnership as Washington moves to modernize its fleet and diversify its shipbuilding base.

The company said Wednesday it will take part in the conceptual design of the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship, or NGLS, working with General Dynamics NASSCO and DSEC through March 2027 on early-stage vessel development.

The NGLS program is expected to produce at least 13 ships and is a key component of the U.S. Navy’s “distributed maritime operations” strategy, which emphasizes agility and survivability through smaller, more flexible vessels capable of tailored mission support.

The company said it will focus on hull form design — a key determinant of speed, stability and fuel efficiency — using its large-scale testing facilities, including a 400-meter towing tank in Daejeon, to meet U.S. Navy requirements.

The project marks one of the most visible outcomes to date of the company’s broader push into the U.S. market, often referred to internally as MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again), a strategy aimed at expanding its footprint across shipbuilding maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, and advanced manufacturing.

To support that effort, Samsung Heavy has established a U.S. subsidiary and is preparing to bid jointly on MRO contracts with Vigor Industrial. The company said it expects to generate additional opportunities by applying its shipbuilding expertise and proprietary “3X” technologies across multiple sectors.

The company plans to deploy its automated pipe spool fabrication system — described as the first of its kind globally and launched in March — as part of its U.S. expansion.

Samsung Heavy is also working with San Diego State University to operate a joint research center, strengthening ties with NASSCO and exploring collaboration in artificial intelligence-based production automation, robotics and environmentally sustainable shipbuilding.

The company said it is also pursuing certification under the U.S. Navy’s Master Ship Repair Agreement program, a prerequisite for participating in naval maintenance work, as it seeks to broaden its role in the American shipbuilding ecosystem.

A Samsung Heavy official said the NGLS project will serve as a starting point for deeper cooperation with NASSCO. “We will expand collaboration with NASSCO and accelerate tangible results in the U.S. market based on our advanced technologies,” the official said.

This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.