▶ Visits HHI as first overseas destination since taking office, underscoring commitment to developing the shipbuilding and maritime industries ▶ Tamil Nadu government preparing a tailored incentive package, including site development, infrastructure construction, tax benefits and subsidies ▶ “We plan to successfully advance the project through continued dialogue and consultation between both sides” India’s newly appointed Minister for Industries of Tamil Nadu visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard as her first official overseas engagement since taking office. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) said on Tuesday that Keerthana Sampath, the newly appointed Minister for Industries of Tamil Nadu, and her delegation recently visited the Ulsan shipyard, where they toured shipbuilding facilities and production operations and discussed potential areas of cooperation. Previously, HD Hyundai signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Tamil Nadu in December 2025 to support the development of a new shipyard. In April 2026, the scope of the cooperation was expanded to include the Indian central government. Located in southern India, Tamil Nadu is a major manufacturing hub with a diverse industrial base spanning the automotive, electronics and heavy industry sectors, supported by well-developed port and logistics infrastructure. Following the recent inauguration of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay Chandrasekaran, the state government has made strengthening manufacturing competitiveness and attracting global investment key policy priorities. Notably, Minister Keerthana was elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in the state election held in May and subsequently became the youngest person ever appointed to the state cabinet. Her visit can be seen as reflecting the new administration’s commitment to developing the shipbuilding and maritime industries. The Tamil Nadu government is currently formulating a tailored incentive package to support the construction of a new shipyard, including shipyard site development, the development of port and related infrastructure, tax incentives and subsidies. “Minister Keerthana’s visit to Ulsan once again demonstrates the Tamil Nadu government’s strong commitment to fostering the shipbuilding industry as a key strategic sector,” an HD Hyundai official said. “We plan to successfully advance the project through continued dialogue and consultation between both sides.” Keerthana Sampath, the newly appointed Tamil Nadu Minister for Industries, and her delegation pose for a photo during a visit to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard on June 8. (From left, third: Choi Han-nae, Head of Corporate Planning Division at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering; fourth: Keerthana Sampath.)

▶ HHI and KSOE jointly develop an SMR-powered car carrier with Hyundai Glovis and other partners ▶ Receives AiP from LR for the vessel’s conceptual design at Posidonia 2026 in Athens, Greece ▶ Signs defense cooperation agreement with Greece’s largest shipyard and MOU with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction to adopt autonomous navigation solutions as a standard specification HD Hyundai is accelerating the development of small modular reactor (SMR)-powered vessels by expanding its range of vessel types. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), the shipbuilding affiliates of HD Hyundai, said that they have received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) at Posidonia 2026 in Athens, Greece, for the conceptual design of a large Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) equipped with a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR). In this project, jointly developed with Hyundai Glovis, G-Marine Service, and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), HD Hyundai was responsible for the vessel’s conceptual design and technical review. Hyundai Glovis contributed operational insights based on its experience operating PCTCs, while G-Marine Service conducted assessments from a ship management perspective and KAERI reviewed the application of MSR technology. Recognized for its high level of safety and efficiency, the technology is considered well suited for maritime nuclear power applications. HD Hyundai is currently developing an MSR-powered container ship and has now expanded its development efforts to include car carriers. An SMR-powered car carrier can maintain high power output without the need for refueling, enabling high-speed operations over long distances. The vessel also produces no carbon emissions, providing environmental benefits. During the exhibition, HD Hyundai also received certifications from global classification societies for a range of technologies, including an industry-first LPG dual-fuel container ship currently under development and an LPG carrier equipped with a Type-B tank designed to enhance safety. In addition, HHI signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Skaramangas Shipyards, Greece’s largest shipyard, to pursue joint participation in projects involving Greek Navy and Coast Guard vessels, as well as manned-unmanned integrated systems incorporating unmanned surface vessels (USVs). Separately, Avikus, HD Hyundai’s autonomous navigation subsidiary, signed an MOU with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction to adopt its HiNAS Control autonomous navigation solution as a standard specification. Under the agreement, Avikus’ autonomous navigation system will be installed as a standard feature on all commercial vessels built by HJ Shipbuilding & Construction. “HD Hyundai is showcasing its industry-leading environmentally friendly vessel technologies through collaboration with major shipping companies and classification societies,” an HD Hyundai official said. “We will continue to lead the transition to a carbon-neutral shipping industry through ongoing technology development and investment.” Five HD Hyundai affiliates—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Samho, HD Hyundai Marine Solution, Avikus and HD Hyundai Electric—participated in Posidonia 2026 from June 1 to June 5. The group showcased environmentally friendly vessels at a booth within the Korea Pavilion organized by the Korea Offshore & Shipbuilding Association, while also displaying energy-efficient ships and marine equipment at a dedicated HD Hyundai exhibition hall. Celebrating its 29th edition this year, Posidonia is widely regarded as one of the world’s three leading maritime and shipbuilding exhibitions, alongside Nor-Shipping in Norway and SMM in Germany. The biennial event attracted approximately 2,000 companies from more than 130 countries. ■ Type-B Tank: An independent tank design that maximizes structural reliability through advanced structural analysis, enabling it to achieve a high level of safety without the need for a full secondary barrier, unlike a Type-A tank.  

▶ Winning a KRW 27 billion bid by delivering quickly and customizing special military specifications ▶ Building the company’s brand credibility within the European defense and public procurement markets ▶ Diversifying its European portfolio with a KRW 20 billion articulated dump truck order from Norway HD Construction Equipment has signed a large-scale bulldozer supply contract with the Polish military. This is the first time the company has secured a large-scale order in a procurement project for a European nation's military. The company announced on Thursday, the 4th, that it has been confirmed as the final supplier for a crawler bulldozer procurement project for Poland's 3rd Regional Logistics Base. The order includes 50 units of 15-ton DEVELON bulldozers, valued at approximately KRW 27 billion. There is potential for an increase in the supply volume in the future, depending on available options. This contract represents a major milestone, just two years after the company launched its bulldozer lineup in Europe and marks a successful entry into the highly stringent military procurement sector. Notably, the company secured the contract after competing with leading brands from both the United States and Europe. The main factors behind securing this contract are the rapid delivery capability of "K-Defense," which has recently gained prominence in the European market, along with the company's overall technical responsiveness. To secure the contract, HD Construction Equipment adapted its standard production models to meet the client’s precise requirements, which included ▲modifying chassis height, ▲boosting travel speeds, and ▲applying military-grade painting. Despite a demanding timeline that requires full delivery by this November, the company won the client's confidence by presenting a reliable production and supply plan. Secured amidst a broader European push to strengthen defense capabilities and modernize military assets, this contract serves as a prime opportunity for HD Construction Equipment to build strong brand trust in the continent's defense and public procurement sectors. Lim Jung-woo, Head of the Europe Region at HD Construction Equipment, stated, "This contract demonstrates that our product performance, quality, and supply capabilities have been recognized locally in Europe, while meeting the stringent requirements of military procurement." He added, "Moving forward, we will enhance our product competitiveness to cater to various working environments and specialized needs. Our goal is to position ourselves as a trusted partner not only in construction equipment but also in the public sector, military supply, and infrastructure recovery markets." Further expanding its reach, HD Construction Equipment recently signed a KRW 20 billion contract with Norway-based Rental Group, the largest equipment rental company in Northern Europe. The deal to supply Articulated Dump Trucks (ADTs) marks a significant expansion into a new product segment, moving beyond its traditional stronghold of excavators in the European market.