Siemens, HD Hyundai and ABS to accelerate digital transformation and revitalisation of U.S. shipbuilding
Siemens Digital Industries Software (SDIS) announces that it has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with HD Hyundai and ABS to drive the revitalisation and modernisation of the commercial shipbuilding industry in the United States of America.
This collaboration positions the Siemens Xcelerator and ABS Freedom™ platforms as the digital backbone for the revitalisation of the shipbuilding industry in the United States, leveraging their industry-leading digital twin, model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and product lifecycle management (PLM) technologies to transform shipyard operations and vessel production across the U.S.
As a global leader in shipbuilding, HD Hyundai - which includes HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Samho and HD Hyundai Mipo - brings deep expertise in advanced engineering and shipyard automation.
“Maximising production efficiency through digital and automation technologies is key to the reconstruction of the U.S. shipbuilding industry,” said Sangmin Moon, Executive Vice President - Global Strategy Division, HD Hyundai.
Under the terms of the MoU between HD Hyundai and SDIS, the two companies will:
- Collaborate to restore engineering capabilities and rebuild a sustainable talent base in the U.S. shipbuilding sector through workforce development and training programs
- Jointly promote the digital transformation and automation of U.S. shipyards, validating digital workflows and platform configurations through pilot projects
- Explore investment and technology development opportunities to strengthen the U.S. maritime industrial base and create new business opportunities
- Establish joint governance and working groups to ensure alignment with U.S. laws and strategic priorities, reinforcing a long-term cooperative relationship based on mutual trust
- Expand the cooperative model to allied shipyards outside the U.S., enhancing global technological competitiveness
The MoU is effective immediately and will guide cooperative efforts over the next year, with potential for extension and commercialisation based on successful pilot outcomes.
The MoU between ABS and SDIS covers collaboration on design and construction which will also advance product lifecycle management (PLM) technology to enhance efficiency, data integrity and regulatory compliance throughout the vessel life cycle.
The MoU establishes a framework for both organisations to collaborate on projects such as Class Rule application during 3D design, model-based verification and digital twin integration, secure data exchange between ship designers and Class along with joint research projects and workshops.
The agreement will leverage the platforms ABS Freedom™, as well as Siemens DISW’s Xcelerator platform to align with maritime regulations, specifically targeting its digital twin and simulation capabilities for compliance and classification in the marine sector.