The domestic shipbuilding industry has begun to attract talent for the special ship division, which designs and constructs vessels. This is a proactive move to secure workforce ahead of intensified shipbuilding cooperation between Korea and the United States.
According to the shipbuilding industry on the 28th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has transitioned to continuous recruitment for experienced positions in its special ship division. It has expanded its workforce locations related to design in the special ship division. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has its main yard in Dong-gu, Ulsan, and has also set up an office in a shared office space in the center of Haeundae-gu, Busan.
Since the inauguration of President Donald Trump, the United States has shown interest in collaborating with the Korean shipbuilding industry to restore the competitiveness of its shipbuilding sector. Therefore, the domestic shipbuilding industry is anticipating participation in the U.S. Navy's maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market.
Hanwha Ocean also conducted experienced recruitment in its special ship division last month. It has filled positions across all departments related to special ships including overseas sales, foreign strategy, MRO business, project management, and quality management. In particular, the MRO business sector has listed as preferred qualifications candidates with experience in the U.S. heavy industry sector and those who have experience writing proposals related to U.S. Navy USS projects.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean signed a mastership repair agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy Supply Systems Command in July last year. The MSRA is a work agreement for the maintenance and repair of U.S. vessels, and obtaining the MSRA is necessary to participate in U.S. Navy ship maintenance projects.
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has also entered the MRO business and recently launched recruitment for experienced positions in its special ship division. Since April this year, HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has been forming a task force to facilitate the signing of the MSRA.
The special ship division of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has primarily focused on coast guard patrol boats, but in this recruitment, it has also hired personnel related to the design of ships and armament to prepare for the U.S. Navy MRO business. The company announced that it would also recruit new graduates in that sector.