HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been awarded a contract for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the US Navy’s Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition vessel USNS Alan Shepard.
This represents the first successful bid following the Korean government’s “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)” proposal, aimed at enhancing Korea-US shipbuilding cooperation.
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The 41,000 tonne (t) US Navy auxiliary ship has been in service since 2007 and plays a crucial role in supporting the logistical needs of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet.
The ship measures 210 meters (m) in length, with a beam of 32m and a depth of 9.4m.
It is named in honour of rear admiral Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut to journey into space.
Work under this contract is scheduled to commence in September at a berth adjacent to HD Hyundai Mipo Dockyard in Ulsan.
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By GlobalDataThe project encompasses a range of services, including propeller cleaning, tank maintenance, and equipment inspections.
The anticipated redelivery of the vessel to the US Navy is scheduled for November 2025.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries naval & special ship business unit head Joo Won-ho said: “This MRO contract is highly significant as it marks the first contract following the government’s proposal of the Korea-US shipbuilding cooperation initiative, MASGA. As Korea’s leading shipbuilder, we will spare no effort in successfully completing the MRO for the US Navy’s auxiliary ship.”
HD Hyundai’s efforts to fortify Korea-US shipbuilding relations have been evident throughout the year.
In April 2025, an agreement was signed with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) with focus on technological collaboration and joint naval ship construction projects.
HD Hyundai also initiated a strategic partnership with Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO), a US commercial shipbuilding group, in June 2025.
Additionally, HD Hyundai hosted the Korea-US Shipbuilding Leaders Forum within the same month.
In April, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries secured a contract from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy Headquarters for the Combat Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) Conceptual Design Project.
