HJ Heavy Industries has been selected as the lead organization for a joint research and development (R&D) project in shipbuilding between South Korea and the United States, signing a collaborative agreement with U.S. research institutions.
On July 23, HJ Heavy Industries attended the opening ceremony of the 'Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Partnership Center' in Washington, D.C., where it announced the signing of an agreement with San Diego State University (SDSU), the U.S. partner in the joint R&D.
This project is part of a key technology development initiative for the shipbuilding and marine industry, announced by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy last month. HJ Heavy Industries will focus on developing a Physical AI-based Friction Stir Welding (FSW) system for the autonomous manufacturing of aluminum ship panels, one of eight AI-related projects selected by the government.
Friction Stir Welding (FSW), recognized as a next-generation welding technology, is a solid-state joining method that uses friction heat and pressure without melting the metal. This technique enables high-strength and high-quality welding of aluminum panels, which is challenging with traditional arc welding methods. It is particularly noted for its energy efficiency and processing stability, making it a key technology to meet the global trend toward lightweight ships and low-carbon vessels.
In this research, HJ Heavy Industries will collaborate with the Korea Institute of Small Shipbuilding and Kyungpook National University to develop AI-based optimization technology for the FSW process. SDSU and domestic company Sangrim MSP will handle the design and production of system hardware and tools. Samsung Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, and Gangnam will also participate as demand institutions to enhance the effectiveness of the developed technology.
This joint R&D in core shipbuilding technology is significant as it aligns with the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation framework known as MASGA. Earlier this year, HJ Heavy Industries became the first medium-sized shipbuilder in South Korea to sign a Maintenance Support Agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy, securing eligibility to enter the U.S. Navy's maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market.
Industry experts believe that the development of this AI-based welding technology will enhance competitiveness not only in shipbuilding but also in the MRO sector. There are also expectations for the Korea Institute of Small Shipbuilding to benefit from support in entering the U.S. market.
Through this R&D, HJ Heavy Industries anticipates that securing high-quality solid-state joining technology will have ripple effects across related industries such as aerospace and manufacturing, as well as contribute to technology support for small and medium-sized enterprises in the defense and shipbuilding sectors and the creation of a manufacturing ecosystem.
HJ Heavy Industries CEO Yoo Sang-cheol stated, "This joint development of shipbuilding technology between Korea and the U.S. will be a symbolic case of combining the strengths of both countries to secure future technological competitiveness and lead the green and digital transition. We aim to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation core technologies through close cooperation among shipyards, companies, and research institutions in both countries, creating a new growth model that generates demand in the global market."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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