SHI launches new SSAM Center research hub in San Diego.

SSAM Center opening ceremony was attended by around 60 guests, [Photo: SHI]

Korean shipbuilding giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) and San Diego State University (SDSU) have inaugurated the SSAM Center (SHI-SDSU Advanced Maritime Center).

The new joint research center is expected to play a key role in Korea-U.S. shipbuilding and offshore technology cooperation and talent development, with SHI saying it will be a research hub for promoting Korea’s MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) initiative.

The opening ceremony was attended by around 60 guests, including Wang-keun Lee, COO of Samsung Heavy Industries; Hala Madanat, SDSU vice president of research and innovation; Ben Moore, chief global affairs officer for the City of San Diego; and Mark Cafferty, president and CEO of the San Diego Regional EDC.

SHI says that San Diego, which is home to General Dynamics NASSCO, the largest shipyard on the U.S. West Coast, offers an ideal location for Korea-U.S. collaboration in shipbuilding research and workforce development.

In addition, the San Diego State University`s College of Engineering maintains a cutting-edge technology portfolio spanning AI and autonomous intelligent system, intelligent wireless communications and embedded systems, advanced manufacturing and materials, and eco-friendly and energy systems, creating strong synergy when combined with Samsung Heavy Industries’ capabilities and advanced shipbuilding technologies.

SHI says thatt it will build a technology cooperation framework centered on the SSAM Center with SDSU and NASSCO, and explore practical collaboration measures to support the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry in AI-based production automation, robotics, and eco-friendly technologies.

The SSAM center will also carry out initiatives to strengthen its local network, including identifying research projects with U.S. universities, government agencies, and related institutions, as well as securing top-tier talent.

“The establishment of the joint research center in the United States marks the starting point for fully implementing MASGA, which has been long in preparation,” said Wang-keun Lee, COO of Samsung Heavy Industries. “We expect the center to contribute to expanding Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding and offshore technologies.”