HD Hyundai and Edison Chouest subsidiary collaborate to construct containerships in the US

South Korean shipbuilding group HD Hyundai and US-based Tampa Ship have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a strategic collaboration to construct medium-sized LNG dual-fuel containerships in the United States, with the first deliveries targeted for 2028.

As part of the agreement, HD Hyundai will provide vessel designs, procure specialised equipment, and transfer shipbuilding technology to Tampa Ship, which is part of the Edison Chouest Offshore family of companies. The South Korean builder will also fabricate certain ship blocks and invest in technical infrastructure at the Florida shipyard.

In an announcement, the companies noted a gap in US commercial shipbuilding, citing Clarksons Research data showing that US yards received orders for only three containerships between 2022 and 2024. The collaboration aims to help revitalise the sector.

An official from HD Hyundai stated that the collaboration aims to actively support US efforts to revitalise its shipbuilding industry. The two companies also expressed an intent to explore further opportunities, including collaboration on other types of vessels and heavy industrial port equipment.