Our Heritage
HD History
The Endless Journey of Challenge
and Growth at HD Hyundai
HD Hyundai began its shipbuilding operations in 1972 in a quiet fishing village with a spirit of creation and pioneering.
It has since grown into a global conglomerate in the heavy industries sector. Leveraging the technological expertise accumulated from shipbuilding, HD Hyundai has expanded into refining, petrochemicals, construction machinery, electrical and electronic systems, solar energy, and robotics, contributing significantly to the national economy.
He who rules the ocean rules the world.
Nothing was impossible for founder Chung Ju-yung, who secured loans and a contract for a super-large oil tanker just with a banknote printed with the world's first ironclad warship, the 'Turtle Ship,' built in the 16th-century, and a photograph of a barren beach. The 'Legend of Hyundai Heavy Industries' was unveiled to the world as a ship-launching ceremony was held even before completing its shipyard.
This was a powerful first step for the Korean shipbuilding industry that has now grown to command the world.
1970 - 1980
The First Steps Towards a Shipbuilding Nation
1970 - 1980
The First Steps Towards a Shipbuilding Nation
1971.09
September 1971 Founder Chung Ju-yung in conversation after signing a loan agreement for shipyard construction with Barclays Bank in the UK.
March 1970
Launched Shipbuilding Business Division in Hyundai Engineering & Construction.
September 1971
Signed a technical partnership agreement with A&P Appledore and Scott Lithgow in the UK.
December 1971
Secured a contract for two super-large 260,000-ton tankers with Greek shipowner Livanos.
Received Government approval for the Hyundai Ulsan Shipyard's business plan and financing.
March 1972
Groundbreaking of Hyundai Ulsan Shipyard.
December 1973
Established Hyundai Shipyard & Heavy Industries (CEO: Chung Ju-yung)
June 1974
Completed Hyundai Shipyard and named the first and second vessels.
November 1974
Hyundai Heavy Industries awarded the $100 million Export Tower.
April 1975
Launched Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.
July 1975
Established a ship repair yard and started repairing its first vessel at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (commencement of operations).
July 1976
Launched the Engine & Machinery Division.
Signed contract for the construction of the Jubail Industrial Port in Saudi Arabia (contract amount: $935 million).
February 1977
Launched the Heavy Electric Machinery Division (now HD Hyundai Electric).
March 1977
Completed the construction of 1st and 2nd dry docks dedicated to ship repair, at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.
February 1978
Renamed Hyundai Shipyard & Heavy Industries to Hyundai Heavy Industries.
August 1978
Completed the world's largest ship engine factory.
November 1978
Spun off Hyundai Engine and Hyundai Heavy Electric Machinery.
Proclaiming the dawn of a new era from Hyundai Shipyard & Heavy Industries to Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Just ten years since its founding, Hyundai rose to a global top player in 1983. It also set a massive record of delivering 30 million tons of ships, and accumulated technologies for LNG carriers which were considered the 'flower of ships', signalling a bright future as global no. 1 in the shipbuilding market. The company continued to challenge itself in offshore plants, machinery and construction equipment, and robotics businesses. This marked a bold journey from being a shipbuilding company and expanding into a heavy industries conglomerate.
1980 - 1990
Leading the Shipbuilding Industry,
From Korea to the World
1980 - 1990
Leading the Shipbuilding Industry,
From Korea to the World
1983.03
First Oustanding Ship 'Nelvana' built by Hyundai Heavy Industries
December 1980
Delivered South Korea’s first frigate, ROKS Ulsan.
November 1982
Completed the second plant at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (current Headquarters, with four docks).
December 1982
Contracted the first overseas turnkey power plant project (Makkahtaif Thermal Power Plant in Saudi Arabia).
October 1983
Entered into the construction equipment business by setting up the Heavy Machines Division.
November 1983
Completed the Hyundai Welding Technology Institute.
December 1983
Listed Hyundai Mipo Dockyard on the Korea Exchange.
March 1984
Delivered ships totaling 10 million DWT (cumulatively 231 vessels).
October 1984
Constructed the Hyundai Maritime Research Institute.
June 1985
Inaugurated the Offshore & Engineering Division by merging Hyundai Heavy Industries with Hyundai Offshore Development.
July 1985
Offshore & Engineering Division secured the world’s largest offshore steel structure order for the Exxon Jacket in the USA.
July 1987
Established labor unions at Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.
July 1988
Established Hyundai Robot Industries.
September 1989
Established the Construction Equipment Division, Hyundai Heavy Machines Industry.
December 1989
Merged Hyundai Engine with Hyundai Heavy Industries.
From a Shipbuilding Company to a Comprehensive Heavy Industries Company
The indigenization of high-value LNG carriers and the independent development of the 'HiMSEN Engine' reaffirmed Hyundai Heavy Industries as the undisputed world's leading shipyard. The increase in non-shipbuilding businesses, such as the domestic production of industrial robots, expansion of heavy electrical businesses, and development of proprietary heavy equipment models, elevated the stature of the comprehensive heavy industries company.
Initiatives such as turning Hyundai Mipo Dockyard into a company specializing in new shipbuilding and starting Samho Heavy Industries' entrusted management fired up new growth engines for the company.
1990 - 2000
Transition to a Comprehensive
Heavy Industries Company
1990 - 2000
Transition to a Comprehensive Heavy Industries Company
1994.06.01
South Korea's first LNG carrier, Hyundai Utopia (H760)
November 1991
Opened the Hanmaeum Community Center.
November 1992
Achieved production of 10 million horsepower in large engines.
February 1993
Hyundai Heavy Industries registered in The Guinness Book of World Records for 'The Most Productive Shipbuilder,' 'The World’s Largest Cargo Carrier,' and 'The Most Visited Shipyard.'
December 1993
Merged Hyundai Electrical Engineering, Hyundai Heavy Machines with Hyundai Heavy Industries, growing into a comprehensive heavy industries company with a divisional structure.
June 1994
Hyundai Heavy Industries delivered Korea's first LNG carrier built to Hyundai Merchant Marine.
January 1995
Completed the most extensive training center in South Korea (now the Technical Education Center), covering 9,461m2.
December 1995
Construction Equipment Business Division completed the heavy machinery plant in Antwerp, Belgium.
June 1996
Commenced entire operations of No.2 Yard (Docks no. 8&9).
March 1997
Delivered vessels totaling 50 million DWT (cumulatively 671 ships).
Opened and expanded Ulsan University Hospital.
June 1998
Inaugurated Hyundai Arts Center (8-story building).
April 1999
Completed Hyundai Mipo Dockyard's Hyundai-Vinashin Shipyard (HVS).
August 1999
Listed Hyundai Heavy Industries on the Korea Exchange.
30th Anniversary,
Leading the Renaissance of the Korean Shipbuilding Industry
With Hyundai Heavy Industries at the forefront, solidifying its position as the world's top shipbuilder, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard emerged as a hub for medium-sized vessels, and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries rose as a new force, writing a grand 21st-century shipbuilding and maritime saga.
In the engine business sector, the 'HiMSEN Engine' continued to break production and sales records. In contrast, developing the first DF engine in the marine 4-stroke engine sector elevated its success.
2000 - 2010
The Launch and Rise of Hyundai
Heavy Industries Group
2000 - 2010
The Launch and Rise of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
2003.03
A panorama of Hyundai Heavy Industries
August 2000
Developed South Korea’s first marine 4-stroke proprietary diesel engine model, 'HiMSEN Engine.'
October 2000
Opened the Techno-Design Research Institute.
December 2000
Surpassed the production of 5,000 industrial robots.
March 2001
Completed the eastern campus of Ulsan College.
February 2002
Spun off from the Hyundai Group and launched the Hyundai Heavy Industries Group.
May 2002
Acquired Halla Heavy Industries and established Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.
December 2002
Achieved a record of producing 100 robots per month.
January 2003
Selected as one of the 'Top 10 New Technologies of South Korea' for the total assembly of offshore structures on ground.
April 2004
Manufactured and installed the world’s largest propeller, weighing 106.3 tons.
October 2004
Launched NS Challenger, the World's first tanker built on ground.
May 2005
Achieved the world's first production of 50 million horsepower in large engines.
October 2005
Marked the first in South Korea to reach a production milestone of 10,000 industrial robots.
June 2006
Achieved 1 million tons of shipbuilding on ground.
February 2007
Achieved production of 10 million horsepower for mid-sized engines.
November 2007
Awarded the $10 billion Export Tower.
November 2008
Opened a construction equipment production factory in Pune, India.
April 2009
Completed the world's first FPSO specialized dock (Marine H Dock).
June 2009
Completed the Naro Space Center (executed construction of the key sites including the launch pad and launch site).
September 2009
Launched Hyundai Heavy Industries Sports.
Hyundai Oilbank,
A New Hope Amid Beleaguered Crisis
In 2010, Hyundai Oilbank was re-integrated into Hyundai Heavy Industries Group and emerged as one of its core businesses with the industry's greatest advancement rates and bold decision makings for business diversification.
In the mid-2010s, amid an unprecedented drop in international oil prices that led to crisis among domestic and international oil refineries, Hyundai Oilbank alone continued to record profits in Korea. Since then, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group began navigating through turbulent waters with a new engine of refinery and petrochemical businesses.
2010 - 2020
Trials of the Shipbuilding Industry
and the Transformation of Hyundai
Heavy Industries Group
2010 - 2020
Trials of the Shipbuilding Industry and the Transformation of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group
A panoramic view of Hyundai Oilbank
August 2010
Acquired Hyundai Oilbank.
September 2010
Broke ground for South Korea's first U.S. transformer factory in Alabama.
February 2011
Achieved production of 5,000 HiMSEN engines.
July 2011
Broke ground for Hyundai Cosmo's second BTX plant.
September 2011
Completed the new headquaters of the Corporate Research Center.
October 2011
Established the Asan Nanum Foundation.
November 2011
Completed the transformer factory in Alabama, USA.
February 2012
Established the Hyundai Oilbank '1% Nanum Foundation'.
Established Hyundai Oil Terminal Co., Ltd.
April 2012
Established Hyundai and Shell Base Oil Co., Ltd.
August 2012
Held the first 'Chung Ju-yung Startup Competition.'
October 2012
Opened Solar Photovoltaic Power R&D Center in Eumseong, South Korea.
December 2012
Completed the Onsan offshore manufacturing plant.
January 2013
Launched Naro-1 Space Rocket (KSLV-1) - launch pad of which was constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries.
April 2014
Opened the Asan Nanum Foundation Startup Support Center 'MARU 180.'
May 2014
Launched Hyundai Chemical, a joint venture between Hyundai Oilbank and Lotte Chemical.
October 2014
Delivered the second 2,500-ton class next-generation frigate, ROKS Gyeonggi.
May 2015
Became the first company in shipbuilding history to deliver 2,000 ships.
June 2015
Shipped 500,000 construction equipment units.
March 2016
Produced a total of 10,000 HiMSEN engines.
August 2016
Established Hyundai Heavy Industries MOS Co., Ltd.
December 2016
Established Hyundai Global Service Co., Ltd.
Established Hyundai Heavy Industries Green Energy Co., Ltd.
April 2017
Launched Hyundai Electric Energy & Systems Co., Ltd., Hyundai Construction Equipment Co., Ltd., and Hyundai Robotics Co., Ltd.
October 2017
Opened Hyundai Construction Equipment's new European office in Belgium.
March 2018
Officially launched Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings Co., Ltd. (now HD Hyundai).
January 2019
Hyundai Global Service built the shipbuilding industry's first 'Digital Control Center' for smart ships.
June 2019
Launched Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd.
September 2019
Launched the third 3,100-ton class next-generation frigate, ROKS Seoul.
Towards the World and the Future
with Innovation made from the Core Basis
In 2023, Hyundai Heavy Industries Group embraced its next 50 years under a new name, HD Hyundai. The past 50 years for HD Hyundai were a glorious history of challenges and growth that wrote a chapter in our country's economic development. Now, the upcoming 50 years will be a history of innovation and creation, merging technology, environment, and digital advancements. By setting the meaning of our new name, realizing 'Human Dreams' through 'Human Dynamics,' HD Hyundai is committed to creating new value for the future.
2020 – Present
The New History to be Built by HD Hyundai
2020 – Present
The New History to be Built by HD Hyundai
HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Gyeonggi-do, Korea
January 2020
Launched the Hyundai Heavy Industries Group 1% Nanum Foundation.
May 2020
Commenced the operation of Hyundai Robotics' service robot 'UNI'.
August 2020
Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries delivered the world's first 'LNG-Powered Container Ship.'
October 2020
Delivered the 4,500-ton training ship ROKS Hansando.
November 2020
Completed Hyundai Construction Equipment's 'Global Technology Innovation Center.'
February 2021
Signed the final acquisition contract for Doosan Infracore.
June 2021
Avikus successfully achieved Korea's first fully autonomous navigation solution.
July 2021
Opened Hyundai Global Service's Global Digital Center.
January 2022
Hyundai Heavy Industries Group participated in CES 2022.
March 2022
The holding company of Hyundai Heavy Industries Group changed the name to 'HD Hyundai.'
December 2022
Opened the new Pangyo GRC headquarters.
Launched new CI and change group name to 'HD Hyundai'
January 2023
Launched a new construction equipment brand 'DEVELON.'
Launched the new corporate identity and changed the group name to HD Hyundai.
March 2023
Achieved the world's first production of 200 million horsepower from large engines.
May 2023
Became the first to declare carbon neutrality in the South Korean shipbuilding industry.
October 2023
Secured the world's first order for a medium-sized ammonia-fueled vessel.
November 2023
HD Hyundai Global Service changed the company name to HD Hyundai Marine Solution.