Vigor Marine partners with SHI to keep naval vessels ‘mission-ready’

September 1, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

US provider of maintenance, modernization, and marine services Vigor Marine Group has joined forces with South Korean shipbuilding major Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to bring expanded forward-deployed maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capacity to the Indo-Pacific region.

As disclosed, through this partnership, the companies want to offer the US Navy and Military Sealift Command (MSC) a ‘compelling new option’ to keep vessels ‘mission-ready’. In addition, the partners may explore opportunities to support US shipbuilding, including a return to Vigor Marine Group’s shipbuilding roots in the Pacific Northwest.

The US Navy has been actively seeking partners capable of executing forward repair to increase the availability of its fleet. Together, this partnership will combine VMG’s knowledge with SHI’s shipyards and advanced technology.

“We understand the Navy’s evolving needs and have built a track record of delivering results in support of our national defense. Partnering with Samsung allows us to extend that same capability to forward-deployed operations in the Indo-Pacific and potential shipbuilding opportunities here in the U.S. — helping the Navy increase its operational tempo while maintaining the highest quality standards,” said Francesco Valente, President & CEO of Vigor Marine Group.

“We find it very meaningful to partner with Vigor Marine Group, a leading MRO service provider in the U.S.,” said Sung-an Choi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries.

“We will do our utmost to establish a foundation for building commercial and auxiliary ships for the U.S. through the successful delivery of world-class MRO services.”

The partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to innovation. VMG continually develops new ways to perform maintenance and modernization work, while SHI leads the global shipbuilding industry in automation, digital shipyard technology, and advanced engineering. Together, they will introduce new levels of innovation to forward repair operations.

To remind, in July this year, Vigor Marine joined hands with autonomous surface vessel provider Saronic Technologies to advance the delivery of autonomous maritime capabilities.