HJ Shipbuilding Completes US Navy MRO Contract, Eyes New Deals
South Korean shipbuilder HJ Shipbuilding & Construction has completed its first US Navy maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract, strengthening its position in the international naval ship repair market. The company finished work on the 40,000-tonne logistics vessel USNS Amelia Earhart, marking a milestone in its efforts to secure further US Navy maintenance contracts.
The vessel departed HJ Shipbuilding’s Yeongdo shipyard in Busan on October 15, following additional repairs identified during inspections. The project, initially scheduled for completion in April 2026, continued until October after the US Navy approved an expanded scope of work. According to the company, the additional work increased the contract’s value, revenue and profit, although the revised amount was not disclosed.
US Navy MRO Project Extended After Inspections
HJ Shipbuilding signed the contract with the US Navy’s Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and Military Sealift Command (MSC) in December 2025. The vessel arrived at the company’s South Korean shipyard in January 2026 for maintenance and inspection.
The repair programme covered hull inspections, checks of major systems, maintenance of onboard equipment and facilities, and component replacement. During the inspection process, HJ Shipbuilding identified defects and additional maintenance requirements beyond the original contract.
The company proposed corrective measures, which the US Navy accepted. The expanded work extended the project by approximately six months beyond its original April completion date, with repairs completed in October.
HJ Shipbuilding said the US Navy expressed satisfaction with the quality and completeness of the repairs and the company’s performance. The shipbuilder did not disclose the revised contract value.
Successful Completion Strengthens Naval Repair Prospects
The completed project establishes HJ Shipbuilding as the first mid-sized South Korean shipbuilder to secure and complete a US Navy MRO contract, according to the company. The achievement provides experience in meeting US Navy maintenance requirements as the shipbuilder seeks to expand its presence in the defence-related ship repair sector.
The commercial significance extends beyond the completion of a single repair project. Experience with US Navy inspection procedures, technical standards and contract execution could strengthen HJ Shipbuilding’s competitiveness when pursuing future naval maintenance work. However, securing additional business will depend on subsequent contract awards, and the company has not announced a follow-on project.
The expanded repair scope also demonstrates how inspections can uncover work that was not included in an initial maintenance agreement. While the additional work increased the contract’s financial value, the company has not provided figures that would allow an independent assessment of the project’s overall profitability.
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USNS Amelia Earhart Supports US Navy Fleet Operations
The USNS Amelia Earhart is a logistics support vessel approximately 210 metres long and 32 metres wide, with a displacement of around 40,000 tonnes. It supports US Navy aircraft carriers and other combat vessels by transporting ammunition, food, general cargo and fuel.
The vessel can carry up to 6,000 tonnes of ammunition, food and other cargo, alongside approximately 2,400 tonnes of fuel. Its logistics role makes maintenance important to the continued support of deployed naval forces.
HJ Shipbuilding has not confirmed when it expects to secure another US Navy repair contract. Its first completed MRO project provides a foundation for pursuing further opportunities in the international naval maintenance market, although future growth will depend on winning additional contracts.
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