Once a 'Sore Spot,' Gunsan Shipyard Finds New Owner... Plans to Build Ultra-Large Vessels

[Anchor]

The Gunsan Shipyard, once the pride of Gunsan in North Jeolla Province but later a painful reminder of industrial decline, has found a new owner. The company that acquired the shipyard announced that it will begin building ultra-large crude oil carriers starting in 2028.

JTV reporter Kim Jin-hyung has the story.

[Reporter]

The HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Gunsan Shipyard boasts the world's largest single dock.

Since its completion in 2010, the shipyard has faced ups and downs, including suspensions and partial operations, but it has now welcomed a new owner.

J-Ocean Heavy Industries announced that it has signed an asset transfer and business cooperation agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and plans to complete the transfer of ownership within this year.

J-Ocean Heavy Industries is a newly established entity created by EcoPrime Marine Pacific, the major shareholder of HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, to operate the Gunsan Shipyard.

For the time being, the Gunsan Shipyard plans to produce ship blocks ordered by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries while upgrading its production facilities to prepare for the construction of ultra-large crude oil carriers starting in 2028.

[Ha Hwa-jung / CEO of J-Ocean Heavy Industries: We promise to maximize the capabilities and growth potential of the Gunsan Shipyard and help it leap forward once again as a top-tier shipyard with global competitiveness.]

Once the Gunsan Shipyard is in full operation, it is expected that partner companies that had left the region will return, restoring the shipbuilding ecosystem in North Jeolla Province and revitalizing the local economy.

[Lee Won-taek / Governor-elect of North Jeolla Province: I have high expectations that J-Ocean Heavy Industries will settle in and grow properly in Gunsan, becoming a wing that supports the development of Gunsan and North Jeolla Province.]

[Kim Jae-jun / Mayor-elect of Gunsan: I believe this is a thrilling milestone that signals the revival of the Gunsan economy and the restoration of the shipbuilding ecosystem.]

The Gunsan Shipyard, which has remained a sore spot for Gunsan over the past decade, now stands at a new starting line, with hopes that it can be reborn as a growth engine to revive the city's industry and economy.

(Video coverage: Kwon Man-taek, JTV)

Reported by Kim Jin-hyung, JTV
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.