AI, Autonomous Navigation, SMR — Commercialization of Core Technologies
HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun announced his 2026 New Year's message on the 1st, presenting the acquisition of unmatched technology and fearless challenge as the essence of competitiveness HD Hyundai must maintain amid a rapidly changing global business environment. Chairman Chung emphasized that "technological supremacy and the challenge DNA are the fundamental power behind HD Hyundai maintaining its position as global number one," stressing the need to create 'something uniquely ours' that others cannot imitate.
Chairman Chung first looked back on the achievements of the past year. He evaluated that group performance improved on the back of continued growth in the shipbuilding and power equipment businesses, and the company confirmed market trust by becoming the fifth Korean company to enter the market capitalization ₩100 trillion club. He also stated that the company achieved the world's first record of delivering 5,000 ships, continued investment in future new businesses such as AI, small modular reactors (SMR), and fuel cells, and laid the foundation for a new leap through business restructuring in the shipbuilding, construction machinery, and petrochemical sectors.
Regarding the business environment surrounding 2026, he identified strengthening protectionism, Chinese oversupply, and intensifying global competition as key variables. In particular, he diagnosed that Chinese companies are simultaneously improving technological capability and price competitiveness, and launching qualitative pursuit even in the shipbuilding sector — a reality that must be faced squarely. As a solution, Chairman Chung emphasized that "continuously creating unmatched technology and products recognized by the market is the only breakthrough."
He mentioned cases where competitive advantage over rivals was secured in the fuel efficiency of recently delivered ships and the efficiency and operability of next-generation construction machinery, instructing that technological innovation must continue to the level felt on the ground, not remaining at the research stage. The recognition is that technological competitiveness must be proven through actual products and performance, not declarations.
He also addressed future new businesses including AI, autonomous navigation, fuel cells, electric propulsion, battery packs, robots, SMR, and offshore wind. Chairman Chung stated that visible results are appearing in these fields, and that it is now time to move to the stage of securing core technologies early, applying them to actual products, and commercializing them. He emphasized that "technological advantage is never permanent" and that the supremacy gap must be maintained through continuous innovation.
Another keyword Chairman Chung emphasized is 'fearless challenge.' He defined this not as unprepared adventure but as the courage to boldly take the first step into new territory using what HD Hyundai does best as a weapon. Citing the bold challenge of the early days of shipyard construction and the Saudi Jubail port construction project as examples, he explained that HD Hyundai has always created 'things only we can achieve' through choices that transcend common sense. He conveyed the message that future challenges including mergers, business restructuring, digital shipyard transformation, and overseas shipyard expansion can also be overcome with this DNA.
Finally, Chairman Chung emphasized the importance of a healthy organization where performance and growth coexist. He stated the need for an environment where members can be immersed and grow while generating results, clear recognition and goal sharing for good work, and a culture of joint resolution rather than blame-shifting when problems occur. He particularly re-emphasized safety as a core group value, drawing the line that "innovation and challenge have no meaning if safety is not guaranteed."
Chairman Chung Ki-sun concluded his New Year's message with the wish to "create HD Hyundai's own path through unmatched technology, fearless challenge, and a healthy organization," and to make 2026 another year of great leap forward.
