HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has made a remarkable debut at the 2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX), drawing enthusiastic responses from international delegations and visitors. With discussions reportedly advancing to detailed contract stages, there is keen anticipation about the potential for significant order success.
From May 28 to 31, HJSC is engaging in strategic sales activities at MADEX 2025, held at Busan BEXCO. The exhibition is Korea's largest maritime defense event, hosted by the Navy, showcasing the latest in maritime defense technologies and weapon systems on an international scale.
Amid numerous leading domestic and international defense companies, the HJSC booth has become a hive of activity, attracting a continuous stream of visitors, including foreign buyers and representatives from various countries. Some discussions have reportedly reached the Letter of Intent (LOI) stage, indicating meaningful progress toward contracts.
HJSC has presented an array of naval vessels at their booth, including the large transport ships Marado and Dokdo, high-speed landing craft (LSF-II), guided missile patrol boats (PKG), and 3,000-ton coast guard vessels. A key highlight is the high-speed landing craft known as the LSF (Landing Ship Fast), noted for its advanced hovercraft design.
This high-speed landing craft operates via an air-cushion system, functioning more akin to aircraft than traditional ships by inflating air into its skirts to achieve lift. The hull is crafted from lightweight aluminum to ensure buoyancy, requiring sophisticated aerodynamics and propulsion technology in its design, construction, and maintenance—a testament to the company's technical expertise.
HJSC is renowned as the sole Korean shipbuilder capable of constructing high-speed landing crafts, with a remarkable reputation for technical excellence proven by their crafts performing effectively even 20 years post-delivery.
The debut of HJSC’s high-speed landing craft at MADEX has sparked significant interest, attracting delegations from regions such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Cameroon, as well as from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, the UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, and Vietnam. On May 30, delegations from Australia and the UAE visited the Yeongdo Shipyard to view the production facilities and examine the high-speed landing crafts under construction.
HJSC CEO Yoo Sang-chul stated, "Our high-speed landing craft, capable of reaching 40 knots (approx. 74 km/h) and operational on 80% of the world's coastlines, excluding cliffs, has garnered much attention for its advanced, all-weather capabilities. We are committed to aggressive marketing as a leading domestic maritime defense company to contribute to the global expansion of 'K-defense,' aligning with the exhibition’s objectives."
