Overview
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, is the world's largest shipbuilder by output. Founded in 1972 by Hyundai Group, the Ulsan yard has built more than 2,200 vessels — VLCC tankers, LNG carriers, container ships, FPSOs, offshore platforms, and naval vessels. The wider HD Hyundai group also includes HD Hyundai Mipo and HD Hyundai Samho. HHI sits at the centre of South Korea's industrial-policy push into ammonia, hydrogen, and autonomous shipping.
Key facts
- Ulsan, South Korea
- World's largest shipbuilder by output
- Founded 1972
- Strong VLCC, LNG, container, FPSO book
- Active in ammonia + autonomous
Why it matters to seafarers
If you join a recently-built deep-sea tanker, container ship, or LNG carrier, there is a strong chance it came out of an HHI dry dock. The yard's hull-form choices, engine selection (mostly MAN-ES B&W and WinGD), and bridge-equipment fit (mostly Furuno or JRC) shape onboard work for a 20-25 year vessel life.