Posted on July 27, 2026
The global shipbuilding industry is entering a new era of digital innovation as HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) moves to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across the entire shipbuilding process.
Through a newly signed agreement with Siemens Digital Industries Software, the South Korean shipbuilding giant aims to build a next-generation marine platform that will redefine how ships are designed, manufactured and maintained.
AI-powered smart shipyard
The collaboration represents a significant milestone in HD KSOE’s long-term vision of creating an AI-powered smart shipyard. Rather than treating digital technologies as isolated tools, the company plans to establish an integrated platform that connects every stage of shipbuilding—from initial design and engineering to production, logistics, quality inspection, sea trials and lifecycle management.
By consolidating information into a single 3D data environment, stakeholders across the value chain will be able to access consistent, real-time information throughout a vessel’s development.
At the heart of the initiative is the development of a digital platform capable of synchronising engineering data with manufacturing operations. Design modifications will be instantly reflected on the production floor, while real-time updates from workshops and suppliers will enable faster decision-making. Such seamless information flow is expected to reduce production delays, improve quality control and optimize resource allocation across complex shipbuilding projects.
“As a leader in industrial AI, automation and digital twin software, Siemens is uniquely positioned to help transform how shipyards design, build and sustain the next generation of vessels,” said Tony Hemmelgarn, President and CEO of Siemens Digital Industries Software.
“This strategic collaboration is about more than technology deployment, it’s about establishing a repeatable blueprint for modern shipbuilding. By combining Siemens’ digital capabilities with HD Hyundai’s operational excellence, we can help shipbuilders improve throughput, quality, and workforce productivity while strengthening global shipbuilding competitiveness.”
