HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering Co. (HD KSOE), South Korea has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cochin Shipyard (CSL) on 04 July 2025. The MOU is intended to facilitate cooperation between the two companies in the following areas:

(i) Joint exploration of newbuilding opportunities in India and abroad; (ii) Sharing of technical expertise to scale up the global standards in shipbuilding; (iii) Identification of initiatives to enhance productivity and capacity utilization; (iv) Joint efforts to upskill and strengthen workforce; and (v) Exploration of potential collaboration in other shipbuilding-related projects.

KSOE is a global leader in shipbuilding and marine engineering, with proven expertise in designing and constructing commercial vessels, naval platforms, and offshore infrastructure. KSOE oversees the operations of some of the world's largest shipyards, including Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries.

This MoU, under which the two companies will pursue strategic cooperation across a range of areas, aligns with the Government of India's vision to develop the country into a global maritime hub under the ‘Maritime India Vision 2030' and the ‘Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047'. These strategic frameworks are backed by initiatives such as the recently announced INR 250 billion Maritime Development Fund, aimed at accelerating investment in shipbuilding, port modernization, and infrastructure upgrades.