South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s largest shipbuilder by orders, is actively negotiating the acquisition of a U.S. shipyard, according to a senior executive. The move aligns with the company’s ambitious goal to generate $2.2 billion in annual revenue from warship sales to the U.S. Navy by 2035. Woo-maan Jeong, head of planning and management for HD Hyundai’s naval and special ship unit, revealed the strategy during an interview at the company’s Ulsan headquarters. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a U.S. manufacturing base to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s efforts to revitalize the American shipbuilding industry. Jeong noted the widening naval capability gap between the U.S. and China, coupled with insufficient U.S. warship production capacity, as key drivers for this initiative. Despite challenges such as a skilled labor shortage and restrictive U.S. immigration policies, HD Hyundai remains optimistic about its prospects. The company recently launched an 8,200-metric-ton Aegis-equipped destroyer in Ulsan, showcasing its advanced shipbuilding capabilities. The vessel, delivered in just 18 months, symbolizes U.S.-Korea cooperation, utilizing combat systems from American firms like Lockheed Martin. HD Hyundai’s merger with affiliate HD Hyundai Mipo further strengthens its position in the warship market. While U.S. laws like the Jones Act and Byrnes-Tollefson Amendment pose hurdles, Jeong expressed confidence in potential legislative amendments to facilitate foreign participation in U.S. shipbuilding. The U.S. remains an unparalleled market for warships, and HD Hyundai is determined to navigate these challenges to secure its foothold.