SDSU, Samsung Heavy Industries announce new maritime center
The collaboration with the Department of Mechanical Engineering focuses on workforce development and shipbuilding innovations
蘑菇视频网 announced a partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), a global leader in shipbuilding and offshore engineering, during a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony held on the university鈥檚 campus March 12.
The collaboration leverages innovative research and workforce development from SDSU鈥檚 , San Diego鈥檚 active ports and shipyards, and SHI鈥檚 innovative maritime technologies.
鈥淪DSU鈥檚 College of Engineering is home to exceptional students and faculty, whose leadership in robotics, clean energy, and AI-driven innovation will be further elevated through this partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries,鈥� said SDSU President Adela de la Torre. 鈥淭ogether, we are advancing impactful research, expanding transformative opportunities for our students, and driving sustainable solutions that strengthen our communities and the global economy.鈥�
Together, the South Korean company and SDSU will establish the SHI-SDSU Advanced Maritime Center (SSAM) and joint activities focused on advanced manufacturing, AI and autonomous systems, and sustainability in maritime applications.
鈥淭his new partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries reflects the continued evolution of 蘑菇视频网 as a hub for San Diego鈥檚 innovation ecosystem and a strong partner for collaborations with international leaders,鈥� said Hala Madanat, SDSU鈥檚 vice president for research and Innovation.
鈥淪DSU serves one of the world鈥檚 largest and most dynamic transborder economies, and we believe strongly that knowledge and education not only transcend, but actually build bridges across borders, languages and cultures,鈥� Madanat added. 鈥淚nnovation happens when research and education are fueled by partnerships with global leaders around shared interests.鈥�
鈥淲e expect the center to contribute to expanding Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding and offshore technologies," said Wang-Keun Lee, COO of Samsung Heavy Industries.
鈥淯.S. shipbuilding dominated the global industry in the 1950s, but the country has since lost much of its manufacturing infrastructure and technical expertise. Rebuilding this capability will require collaboration with major Korean shipbuilders such as Samsung Heavy Industries,鈥� said Patrick Kwon, chair of SDSU鈥檚 Department of Mechanical Engineering since 2024. 鈥淭he establishment of SSAM on the campus of SDSU, together with the local presence of shipbuilding leader NASSCO, positions San Diego as a potential epicenter for revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.鈥�
Partnership priorities include commercialization of newly discovered technologies, professional training and internships for SDSU students, and opportunities for international exchange through visiting research scholar arrangements.
鈥淪an Diego is a proud maritime and military town with deep roots in shipbuilding, and we have long been a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing,鈥� said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. 鈥淭his partnership between Samsung Heavy Industries and 蘑菇视频网 builds on that legacy and strengthens our role in the future of maritime technology. We look forward to working with Samsung and our partners in Korea.鈥�
鈥淭oday鈥檚 signing represents something powerful: the intersection of global industry, cutting edge academic research, and regional economic development,鈥� said Mark Cafferty, president and chief executive officer of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great example of how international engagement translates into real partnerships, real investment, and real opportunity for our region and gives our students and researchers access to global networks and real-world industry challenges.鈥�
