HD HHI kicks off project to build four naval ships for Peruvian Navy

South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has started a joint project with Peruvian state-owned shipyard SIMA for the construction of four warships for the Peruvian Navy.

As disclosed, the groundbreaking ceremony took place at SIMA’s shipyard on January 10, 2025. The vessels will be of three different types and are scheduled to be delivered successively to the Peruvian Navy starting in 2026.

HD Hyundai Heavy received the contract to build four warships in April last year. The cumulative value of the deal is approximately KRW 640.6 billion ($438 million).

Specifically, the company will build one 3,400-ton frigate, one 2,200-ton offshore patrol vessel, and two 1,400-ton amphibious warfare ships. 

The Korean shipbuilding major stated it will share “its advanced technologies and experience” with SIMA for the project.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will design the ship, supply equipment, and provide technical support, and state-owned shipbuilder SIMA is responsible for the construction.

The units are planned to be completed at Callao shipyard in Peru by 2030. They are part of the Latin American country’s naval fleet modernization program.

“We will strive to successfully implement this project based on our technology and mutual trust so that defense cooperation between the two countries can be further strengthened,” said Joo Won-ho, chief operating officer at the naval and special ship business unit of HD HHI.

“This groundbreaking ceremony will be a very important milestone in the history of Peruvian shipbuilding. We expect that this project with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will accelerate the modernization of the Peruvian Navy and contribute to the national economic growth,” Peruvian President Dina Boluarte noted.