From merchant ships and offshore plants to AX and Arctic routes: A look at the future of shipbuilding in Busan

[Financial News] The shipbuilding industry, led by the four major shipbuilders—HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, Samsung Heavy Industries and HJ Shipbuilding & Construction—will showcase the future of shipbuilding, from merchant ships, special-purpose vessels and offshore plants to smart shipyards and icebreakers. The showcase will be held at the 2026 International Marine Energy and Plant Industry Exhibition, running from the 14th to the 16th at BEXCO in Busan.
On the 9th, the Busan Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment Industry Cooperative said the four major shipbuilders would take the lead in presenting the latest technologies and business activities in shipbuilding and offshore plants. A technology conference with participation from classification societies and research institutes will also be held.
The main exhibition areas will include: ship design and construction, including merchant ships, special-purpose vessels and support vessels; eco-friendly ships powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and biofuels; fixed-bottom and floating offshore wind, subsea cables and marine small modular reactors (SMRs); and offshore floating facilities such as floating production, storage and offloading units (FPSOs) and floating LNG storage and regasification units (FSRUs), as well as equipment for the exploration, drilling and production of marine resources.
The exhibition will also present future growth areas, including the development of Arctic routes being driven by the Lee Jae-myung administration and Busan City, as well as AI-powered ships and shipyard AX (AI transformation). Specifically, these include icebreaking and ice-resistant technologies and equipment for polar regions, along with autonomous vessels and smart shipyards that automate production using industrial robots.
It will also create opportunities for technology, procurement and exports involving major shipyards in Korea, domestic and international shipbuilding and marine-equipment companies, and overseas buyers. Many global shipowners, oil majors, offshore-plant buyers and energy-solutions companies are expected to attend.
Choi Geum-sik, chairman of the Busan Shipbuilding and Marine Equipment Industry Cooperative, said, “The shipbuilding and marine industry is facing a period of major change, including the shift to eco-friendly operations and decarbonization, AX, and the restructuring of global supply chains. In response to these changes, this exhibition has expanded a step further into an event that spans the entire industry, from shipbuilding and equipment to plants, marine energy and AI. It will create tangible business opportunities.”
[email protected] Kim Yun-ho Reporter