HD Hyundai to Help Modernize U.S. Shipyards with End-to-End Shipyard Solutions

• Signs MOU with Fraser Industries on shipyard modernization to support the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry
• To provide an integrated package including shipyard design and construction expertise, production and operational systems, and data management capabilities
• "We will support Fraser Shipyards in becoming a key hub for rebuilding the U.S. shipbuilding industry and serve as a trusted partner in its revitalization"

SEOUL, South Korea, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai is launching a major initiative to modernize U.S. shipyards.

HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the intermediate holding company for HD Hyundai's shipbuilding business, said on Monday, July 29, that it recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fraser Industries LLC to cooperate on shipyard modernization projects aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

The signing ceremony, held in Washington, D.C., was attended by President & CEO Kim Hyung-kwan and Technology Advisor Shin Jong-gye of CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, CEO Patrick V. Kelly of Fraser Industries, and other executives and officials from both companies.

The agreement marks the first project undertaken by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering since the company added "development and supply of digital engineering and manufacturing platforms" to its business objectives in March and designated comprehensive shipyard construction solutions as a future growth driver.

Under the agreement, the two companies plan to collaborate across the entire shipyard lifecycle, from construction to operations, including shipyard assessments and solution development; yard and factory layout design; deployment of robotics and automation systems; optimization of costs, schedules, quality and productivity; implementation of AI- and data-driven digital solutions; and expansion of supply chains and workforce training.

To support these efforts, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering plans to provide an integrated package of technologies and expertise required to build smart shipyards, including shipyard design and construction know-how, production and operating systems, and data management capabilities, effectively transferring its expertise in how to build and operate a shipyard.

In particular, HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Fraser Industries plan to sign a contract this year for a shipyard modernization consulting program and use Fraser Shipyards, located on the shores of Lake Superior, one of the Great Lakes, as a demonstration model for revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry. The Great Lakes region has traditionally served as a hub for shipbuilding, maintenance and repair activities in the United States and is home to a key maritime supply chain.

The Great Lakes region is emerging as a key hub for the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry, aligning with the U.S. government's Maritime Prosperity Zones initiative. Fraser Shipyards, Fincantieri Marine Group and Donjon Marine have formed the Great Lakes Shipyard Alliance and are jointly participating in projects such as the U.S. Coast Guard's new light icebreaker program.

Patrick V. Kelly, CEO of Fraser Industries, said "I am very pleased to join hands with HD Hyundai, which possesses world-class technological capabilities, to introduce advanced techniques across shipyard operations," adding, "The cooperation between the two companies will be an important starting point for the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry."

Kim Hyungkwan, President & CEO of HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, said. "We plan to provide the know-how needed from shipyard design through to operation so as to support Fraser Shipyards in becoming a hub for the rebuilding of the U.S. shipbuilding industry," adding, "Going forward, we will expand the scope of cooperation into various areas and become a reliable partner for the U.S. shipbuilding industry."

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HD Hyundai to Help Modernize U.S. Shipyards with End-to-End Shipyard Solutions

SYDNEY, July 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The first half of 2026 was defined by volatility: currency swings, shifting rate expectations, and geopolitical uncertainty that reshaped how traders positioned across markets. Against that backdrop, VT Markets reported $8 trillion in trading volume for the first half of 2026, up 212% year-over-year.

The momentum is reflected across various key business metrics. Active users grew 70% compared to the second half of 2025 and out of the traders active during the period, 350,000 opened their first trade with VT Markets. Together, the growth reflects a growing adoption of the platform as the go-to choice for traders globally. The growth momentum was further supported by the addition of 39 new US stocks to its offering, and the launch of ClubÉlite, a loyalty programme for Introducing Broker partners that provides elevated access and long-term partnership support.

Where traders put their money reflected the existing volatility. Trading activity was concentrated in gold and silver, alongside major FX pairs like EURUSD and USDJPY, and indices NAS100 and DJ30.

The company also connected with traders and partners on the ground across key industry events worldwide, such as its participation at the annual Money Expo Mexico 2026. Adding on, the brand presence was further matched by recognition from the industry, with VT Markets picking up 26 awards during the period, including Best Gold Trading Platform 2026 from Global Financial Market Review.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, VT Markets will continue rolling out new product offerings and innovations, including features aimed at extending access beyond traditional trading hours. The company has also launched Gold Cup 2026, a global trading competition running through to its Island Finale, alongside continued enhancements to its gold trading offering. VT Markets will continue to connect with traders through its presence at industry events, sponsorships, and client initiatives across its key markets. With the first half delivering record volume, deposit growth, and industry recognition, VT Markets enters the second half of 2026 positioned for an even stronger performance ahead.

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VT Markets Reports Record-High Trading Volume of $8 Trillion