HJ Heavy Industries moves to acquire Gunsan yard to expand work for US Navy
Gunsan Shipyard was closed for several years before reopening in 2022 (Source: HD Hyundai)
HJ Heavy Industries is moving to acquire a shipyard in Gunsan (KR) from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries as part of a strategy to expand its shiprepair capacity and target US Navy maintenance work.
The deal, agreed by HJ’s largest shareholder Ecoprime Marine Pacific, includes due diligence and valuation ahead of a final sale price. The Gunsan yard, opened in 2010, features a dock of approximately 700 metres and was designed to build up to twelve vessels annually.
Operations at the yard were suspended in 2017 during a downturn in the shipbuilding market and later resumed in 2022. HD Hyundai is expected to continue placing block construction orders and provide technical support following the acquisition.
HJ Heavy Industries has strengthened its position in naval repair after securing certification from the US Navy and completing a Master Ship Repair Agreement in December 2025. The company recently carried out maintenance work on the US-flagged USNS Amelia Earhart.
The yard said it sees strong opportunities as the US Navy expands regional maintenance capacity, allowing vessels to undergo repair closer to deployment areas.
