HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has received a cooperation request from Romania, which is pursuing naval modernization. The call is for combining capabilities in shipbuilding and defense to create synergies and support Romania’s efforts to bolster its fleet. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is now exploring business opportunities in Romania, following Poland and Canada, as it accelerates its warship export strategy.
According to the Romanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIR) on the 19th, Kim Jae-rak, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ senior executive in charge of special vessel sales, met with CCIR President Mihai Daraban in Bucharest on the 15th (local time).
During the meeting, Kim described Romania as a reliable business partner, highlighting its well-established business environment and long-standing industrial capabilities as essential for complex project development. He proposed advancing the relationship into a strategic partnership that benefits both nations.
Daraban emphasized Romania’s competitiveness in defense and shipbuilding, as well as its geopolitical strengths. Despite challenging times, Romania has demonstrated remarkable economic growth potential and access to a skilled workforce, he noted, expressing strong interest in collaboration with South Korea. He also pointed out that bilateral trade in shipbuilding and defense has grown significantly in recent years, exceeding $1.12284 billion last year.
Building on this meeting, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will explore warship business opportunities in Romania. Romanian Chief of Naval Staff Mihai Panait previously announced plans to acquire two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and three frigates. In March, the Supreme Council of National Defense also approved a proposal to begin procurement procedures for a light corvette. As Romania accelerates the phase-out of aging naval assets, it is pushing for cooperation with HD Hyundai.
Romania has already deepened defense ties with South Korea, signing a $1.0517 billion deal last July with Hanwha Aerospace for 54 K9 self-propelled howitzers, 36 K10 ammunition resupply vehicles, and related equipment. Having recognized South Korea’s technological prowess in defense, Romania is now considering expanding the partnership from land to maritime domains.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been a key player in South Korea’s naval defense since developing the country’s first domestically built warship, the ROKS Ulsan, in 1975. It has since constructed advanced vessels, including the Aegis-equipped Sejong the Great-class destroyer, the 1,800-ton Sohn Won-il-class submarine, and the 3,000-ton Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine. The company has also secured contracts for 14 vessels overseas and is competing in submarine tenders in Poland and Canada to expand its global presence.
