HD HHI kicks off MRO project for US Navy’s auxiliary ship

October 8, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has launched its maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) project for the US Navy auxiliary ship.

The 41,000-ton U.S. dry cargo and ammunition ship, USNS Alan Shepard, assigned to the 7th Fleet, recently entered Yeompo Pier near HD Hyundai Mipo in Ulsan for a regular overhaul.

The ship measures 210 meters in length, 32 meters in width, and 9.4 meters in height. Full-scale maintenance commenced on the day of arrival, including inspections of safety equipment and systems, servicing of various tanks, and checkups of onboard equipment.

The vessel is scheduled to be handed over to the U.S. Navy by the end of this year.

To remind, the company won the MRO contract in August this year.

HD Hyundai Heavy wins MRO contract for US Navy’s auxiliary ship

Vessels

“We will successfully execute this MRO project based on our advanced technologies and expertise, and make every effort to ensure the satisfaction of our client, the U.S. Navy,” Joo Won-Ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, stated.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is currently pursuing a merger with HD Hyundai Mipo, scheduled for completion in December. Following the merger, the company’s MRO capabilities for global warships are expected to be significantly enhanced by using HD Hyundai Mipo’s docks and berths.