San Diego, December 5, 2025

General Dynamics NASSCO has partnered with South Korean firms DSEC Co., Ltd. and Samsung Heavy Industries to enhance U.S. shipbuilding. The agreement will focus on advancing ship design, manufacturing technology, and supporting U.S. Navy projects. This collaboration seeks to modernize the industry and improve competitiveness in the global market.

General Dynamics NASSCO Partners with South Korean Leaders to Boost U.S. Shipbuilding

New collaboration aims to innovate and enhance the U.S. maritime industry.

San Diego, CA – General Dynamics NASSCO has teamed up with DSEC Co., Ltd. and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. to sign a tri-party Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to advance ship design and manufacturing technology in the United States. This pivotal collaboration will strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. shipbuilding industry while fostering innovation through combined expertise. As local businesses strive for resilience and economic advancement, partnerships like this demonstrate how entrepreneurially minded entities can leverage reduced regulation to make significant strides in industry modernization and competitiveness.

The MOA, announced during the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans on December 3, 2025, highlights a strategic initiative to focus on ship design, manufacturing automation, and technology across commercial, naval, and government projects. This includes advancing the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS). By marrying decades of experience from these three industry leaders, the partnership seeks to enhance operational efficiency and introduce state-of-the-art innovations to the U.S. maritime landscape.

The Role of General Dynamics NASSCO

General Dynamics NASSCO has been at the forefront of naval auxiliary and commercial vessel design since the 1950s, delivering over 150 vessels throughout its history. Currently, the company is actively constructing the U.S. Navy’s 20-ship class of John Lewis Fleet Oilers and is engaged in designing the future Submarine Tender class, underscoring its pivotal role in U.S. naval operations.

DSEC Co., Ltd.: A Leader in Marine Engineering

DSEC Co., Ltd. brings over three decades of expertise in shipbuilding and marine engineering services to the partnership. Their comprehensive offerings include ship design, material procurement, quality management, and consulting services tailored for various commercial, naval, and government ship programs in the U.S. This wealth of experience complements the technological prowess of its partners.

Samsung Heavy Industries: Global Shipbuilding Powerhouse

Recognized as one of the world’s premier shipbuilders, Samsung Heavy Industries specializes in engineering and constructing advanced commercial vessels such as liquefied natural gas carriers and drill ships. The company’s leadership position is reflected in its significant global market shares across key sectors, which brings robust capabilities to the collaboration.

Transforming the U.S. Shipbuilding Landscape

This tri-party agreement marks a crucial step toward modernizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry by integrating the combined resources of General Dynamics NASSCO, DSEC, and Samsung. By enhancing shipyard operations and developing advanced shipbuilding technologies, the collaboration is positioned to elevate both the commercial and naval sectors significantly. Such progress not only bolsters industry competitiveness but also aligns with broader economic growth initiatives within San Diego County.

Conclusion

The collaboration among General Dynamics NASSCO, DSEC Co., Ltd., and Samsung Heavy Industries underscores the resilient spirit of San Diego’s business community. By harnessing innovative partnerships, these companies are setting the stage for enhanced capabilities and modernization in shipbuilding. As California entrepreneurs continue to drive economic growth, engagement with local businesses and support for initiatives that streamline operations will be critical in fostering a competitive marketplace. Stay invested in the developments of the San Diego CA economy as this partnership unfolds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of the tri-party Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by General Dynamics NASSCO, DSEC Co., Ltd., and Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.?

The MOA aims to collaborate on ship design, manufacturing automation, and technology in the U.S. market, enhancing capabilities in commercial, naval, and government shipbuilding projects, including the U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS).

What are the key areas of expertise of each company involved in the partnership?

General Dynamics NASSCO has been a leading designer and builder of major naval auxiliary and commercial vessels since the 1950s, delivering over 150 vessels to date.

DSEC Co., Ltd. provides a comprehensive range of shipbuilding and marine engineering services, including ship design, material procurement, quality management, shipyard operations, and development consulting.

Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is recognized as one of the world’s leading shipbuilders, specializing in the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and delivery of advanced commercial vessels, including LNG carriers, container ships, drill ships, and floating production units.

How does this partnership benefit the U.S. shipbuilding industry?

The collaboration combines the expertise and resources of these three companies, contributing to the modernization of shipyards and the development of advanced shipbuilding technologies, benefiting both commercial and naval sectors.

When and where was the agreement announced?

The agreement was announced on December 3, 2025, during the International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans.

What is the significance of this partnership in the global shipbuilding market?

This strategic partnership is poised to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, fostering innovation and competitiveness in the global market.

Key Features of the Tri-Party Shipbuilding MOA

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Secretary of the Navy Addresses Warship Maintenance Challenges in San Diego
USS Pierre Completes Sea Trials as Final Independence-Class Ship
Hanwha Philly Shipyard Plans to Expand Operations

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER

The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.