- Successful Implementation of NGLS (Next Generation Logistics Ship) Project… Seeking Cooperation in Automation Fields  

- Attention Focused on Samsung Heavy Industries’ Role as `Solution Provider`

Samsung Heavy Industries announced on the 16th that executives from General Dynamics NASSCO (GD NASSCO) visited the Samsung Heavy Industries Geoje shipyard on the 15th to discuss practical cooperation measures between the two companies, including the U.S. Navy`s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS) project.   

The meeting was attended by executives from both companies, including Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman of Samsung Heavy Industries; David J. Carver, President of GD NASSCO; and Brett Hershman, Director of Business Development and Government Relations.

This visit demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding the scope of cooperation between the two companies from design to automation technology, in addition to the successful execution of the NGLS project.

GD NASSCO executives stated that they expect Samsung Heavy Industries’ advanced technological capabilities to make a significant contribution to the NGLS design study and potential future construction.

In response, Samsung Heavy Industries pledged to cooperate actively and swiftly throughout the entire process from design to construction, working closely with GD NASSCO to ensure efficient construction as well as meet the U.S. Navy`s requirements. They also agreed to further solidify discussions regarding technical cooperation related to the modernization and automation of GD NASSCO`s shipyards.

Following working-level discussions, executives from both companies toured the on-site factory, equipped with Samsung Heavy Industries` latest automation technology, and the VR experience center for safety and painting.

The on-site factory is a state-of-the-art facility encompassing the full range of 3X technologies (digital transformation, AI transformation, and robotics), such as remote equipment operation using digital twin technology and robots autonomously recognizing a ship`s 3D CAD model and measurement data to carry out welding.

To respond to changes in the internal and external environment, Samsung Heavy Industries is rapidly pursuing a paradigm shift toward an automated and unmanned shipyard operating 24 hours a day, based on RX (Robotics Transformation) technology.

Samsung Heavy Industries aims to expand its technology exports as a `Solution Provider` through collaboration in the RX sector, moving beyond traditional ship design and construction support, meanwhile, GD NASSCO plans to evolve this partnership into a win-win strategy that proactively secures a competitive edge for the U.S. shipbuilding industry, with SHI further intending to expand this relationship into the U.S. commercial shipbuilding market.

Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman of Samsung Heavy Industries, stated, "The strategic partnership between the two companies has been further strengthened through the visit of GD NASSCO executives, who play a pivotal role in the U.S. shipbuilding industry." He emphasized, "The convergence of GD NASSCO`s production infrastructure with Samsung Heavy Industries` automation and smart technologies will play a substantial role in the development of the shipbuilding industries in both countries."

David J. Carver, President of GD NASSCO, emphasized, "We were pleased to visit Samsung Heavy Industries, which possesses world-class shipbuilding capabilities and systems. The collaboration between the two companies will create significant synergy for the Korean and U.S. shipbuilding industries, and we will strengthen our cooperation to ensure that these technological advancements lead to tangible benefits for the next generation."

Located in San Diego, California, GD NASSCO is the shipbuilding subsidiary of General Dynamics and has delivered over 150 U.S. naval auxiliary and commercial vessels since the 1950s. It is the only shipyard on the U.S. West Coast capable of performing the entire process from design to construction and repair. Currently, it is constructing 20 U.S. Navy`s John Lewis-class oilers (T-AO) and designing the U.S. Navy`s future Submarine Tender (AS-X).