AI Ships, American Steel: Saronic and Samsung Partner to Rebuild U.S. Maritime Power

Saronic Technologies and Samsung Heavy Industries have formed a strategic partnership aimed at speeding up autonomy-ready maritime technology and expanding U.S. shipbuilding capacity. The companies framed the partnership as a way to bolster domestic production capability and workforce development for American and allied vessel demand.

The partnership was introduced in Washington, D.C., alongside the opening of the Korea–U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center, a "new organization designed to deepen shipbuilding cooperation between the two allied nations" and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce and Republic of Korea Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources (MOTIR), according to a press release.

The companies said they plan to combine Saronic’s autonomous surface-vessel know-how with Samsung Heavy Industries’ large-scale shipbuilding experience to pursue next-generation platforms for government and commercial buyers. 

Areas of cooperation cited include autonomy and AI-enabled digital tools, plus manufacturing upgrades such as robotics-driven automation across Saronic’s shipyards.

"Rebuilding America’s maritime strength requires both world-class technology and the industrial muscle to produce it at scale here at home," said Dino Mavrookas, Co-Founder and CEO of Saronic. "We are proud to partner with SHI, bringing together Saronic’s maritime autonomy and next-generation manufacturing with Samsung’s storied shipbuilding and technology pedigree. Together, we will focus on accelerating the reindustrialization of American shipbuilding, training the workforce of the future, and delivering differentiated, autonomy-capable vessels for both government and commercial applications."

Maritime Autonomy, Shipbuilding Expertise

Sung An Choi, Vice Chairman and CEO of Samsung Heavy Industries commented: "We are pleased to establish this partnership with Saronic. By combining Saronic’s expertise in maritime autonomy with our expertise in shipbuilding, including production automation, we look forward to working together to create a more competitive future."

The maritime defense technology company also recently unveiled plans for Port Alpha, a new shipyard in Brownsville, Texas, designed to dramatically expand its vessel production capacity. The facility is expected to support both military and commercial shipbuilding, with operations targeted to begin in 2028. 

The company expects Port Alpha could eventually create up to 10,000 jobs over the next decade, including traditional shipyard roles such as welding and machining as well as positions focused on robotics, software engineering and naval architecture.

Saronic also said it is putting another $300 million into expanding its Franklin, Louisiana, shipyard capacity.

"The partnership aligns closely with and directly supports the Administration’s broader effort to rebuild the American maritime workforce, advance technological innovation, and stimulate the industrial base that underpins U.S. shipbuilding," the company wrote.

Photo courtesy of Saronic’s Press Kit