HD Hyundai eyes Casablanca shipyard as next step in global expansion
Growth at home, acquisition abroad: HD Hyundai (Source: HD Hyundai)
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is reportedly preparing to bid for the rights to develop and operate a major new shipyard in Casablanca, as Morocco seeks international partners to bolster its ship repair and shipbuilding capacity. According to Business Korea, the move is part of the group’s wider strategy to expand its global footprint, following recent partnerships in India, the US, Peru, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
The Casablanca yard, planned by Morocco’s National Port Agency, is intended to be the largest of its kind in Africa. The concession covers 21 hectares and includes a drydock, a 9,000-tonne lifting platform, nearly 823m of outfitting berths, and a 30-year operational term. The facility is expected to require up to USD 92 million in investment, with the agency itself allocating around USD 76 million toward the project.
The competition is open to operators with a decade of experience managing comparable facilities. HD Hyundai is expected to compete with France’s Naval Group and Spain’s Navantia for the contract.
The initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader maritime ambitions, which include growing its domestic fleet by 100 merchant vessels by 2040 and developing naval shipbuilding capabilities.
