HD KSOE inks talent-fostering collaboration agreement with University of Michigan, SNU

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Michigan and Seoul National University on talent-fostering.

From left: U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro; Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer; Shin Jong-gye, the technology adviser of HD KSOE; and Jonathan Page, naval engineering professor at the University of Michigan, pose for a photo during a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony held at Macomb Community College in Michigan on Monday. [HD HYUNDAI]

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) signed an agreement with the University of Michigan and Seoul National University to foster global talent in the shipbuilding sector.

The signing ceremony for the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was held at Macomb Community College in Michigan on Monday, with U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in attendance. Shin Jong-gye, the technology adviser of HD KSOE, and Jonathan Page, a naval engineering professor at the University of Michigan, were also present.

With the signing of the MOU, the Korean shipbuilder — which is 35 percent owned by HD Hyundai — will collaborate with the two universities to foster talent possibly through joint research projects, training or internship programs. The company is also considering extending the cooperation to other universities such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

The collaboration was launched upon Del Toro’s suggestion after the secretary visited HD Hyundai headquarters in Ulsan in February, according to the Korean company.

"Developing the talented marine engineers and naval architects the nation needs requires collaboration with world-class faculty as well as innovation in curricula for marine design," said Del Toro during the event, adding that "this partnership will provide invaluable opportunities for civilian and navy engineers to learn in HD Hyundai’s world-class shipyards."

“The Korea-U.S training cooperation in the shipbuilding sector will not only help the U.S. shipbuilding industry enhance its competitiveness but also have a positive impact on business partnerships between the two countries, such as a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) project for U.S. naval vessels,” said Shin.

BY SHIN HA-NEE [shin.hanee@joongang.co.kr]