Samsung Heavy Industries (010140) is establishing its first U.S. research base in San Diego to strengthen Korea-U.S. shipbuilding and maritime technology cooperation. The company aims to explore practical solutions for rebuilding American shipbuilding, focusing on advanced manufacturing technologies including AI-based production automation and robotics.
Samsung Heavy Industries announced on May 13 (local time) the opening of the SHI-SDSU Advanced Maritime Center (SSAM Center) in partnership with San Diego State University (SDSU). Approximately 60 representatives from both sides attended the ceremony, including Samsung Heavy Industries COO and Executive Vice President Lee Wang-keun, SDSU Vice President for Research and Innovation Hala Madanat, and Ben Moore, Chief of Global Partnerships for the City of San Diego.
San Diego is home to NASSCO, the largest shipyard on the U.S. West Coast, making it an optimal location for Korea-U.S. shipbuilding research and workforce development.
Through the SSAM Center, Samsung Heavy Industries plans to combine SDSU's cutting-edge technology portfolio—including AI and autonomous intelligent systems, intelligent wireless communications, and eco-friendly energy systems—with its shipbuilding capabilities to generate strong synergies. The center will also identify research projects with U.S. universities, government agencies, and related organizations while strengthening local networks to secure top talent.
"Securing a joint research base in the U.S. marks the starting line for Samsung Heavy Industries to fully launch MASGA (Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation), which we have been preparing for," said Lee Wang-keun, Executive Vice President of Samsung Heavy Industries. "We expect the center to contribute to expanding technological cooperation between the two countries."