Samsung Heavy, NASSCO and DSEC form US shipbuilding alliance

As cooperation between U.S. and South Korean shipbuilders continues to grow, South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has joined forces with General Dynamics NASSCO and DSEC Co., Ltd. in a strategic tri-party alliance.The three companies will collaborate on ship design, manufacturing automation and technology in the US market.

The partnership, announced on December 3, will advance all three companies’ endeavors into commercial, naval, and other government shipbuilding projects, including the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS).

General Dynamics NASSCO has been the U.S. designer and builder of major naval auxiliary and commercial vessels since the 1950s, delivering over 150 vessels to date.

NASSCO is currently building the U.S. Navy’s 20-ship class of John Lewis fleet oilers and is designing the U.S. Navy’s future submarine tender (AS-X) class.

Recent commercial programs include ConRo ships, containerships, and medium range tankers, all designed with DSEC and other South Korean partners.

“This partnership brings together three extraordinary companies with a track record of success and over 160 years of combined shipbuilding and design experience,” said Dave Carver, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. “Having worked closely with DSEC