Princess Anne of the British royal family visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries during her trip to South Korea, where she explored the company's shipbuilding capabilities and discussed ways to enhance cooperation between Korea and the UK.
On July 14, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries reported that Princess Anne, along with Sir Timothy Laurence and British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks, visited the company's headquarters in Ulsan.
During the visit, the company's executives, including Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Vice Chairman Lee Sang-kyun, and President Joo Won-ho, welcomed the royal delegation and showcased their world-class shipbuilding technology and competitiveness. They also exchanged views on cooperation in the shipbuilding and marine industries between Korea and the UK.
This visit comes as the UK government promotes the development of its shipbuilding and marine industries. Princess Anne toured the shipbuilding and special vessel construction sites and the engine plant at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, where she observed the company's shipbuilding technology and received updates on collaborations with British defense firms such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.
Rolls-Royce has maintained a steady partnership with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries since the 2012 South Korean Navy frigate project, supplying the core propulsion equipment, the MT30 gas turbine, which HD Hyundai Heavy Industries integrates and supplies as a propulsion package. This solution is also applied to the South Korean Navy's next-generation frigates.
BAE Systems has been connected with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries since 2013, supplying survival equipment for ship crews, including life-saving gear for submarines. Many BAE Systems products are being used in vessels, including the Philippine Coast Guard's offshore patrol vessel currently under construction by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
During the meeting, Chairman Chung stated, "The UK is not just a partner but a special ally that has been with HD Hyundai from the beginning. Based on our top-notch technology and shipbuilding capabilities, we will contribute to the development of the UK shipbuilding and marine industry."
Meanwhile, HD Hyundai is accelerating the diversification of its future ship portfolio, including expanding the application of small modular reactor (SMR) propulsion vessels.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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