Cerberus Capital Management and HD Hyundai are teaming up to launch Cerberus Maritime, a bold new investment strategy aimed at revitalizing U.S. and allied maritime capabilities. This isn’t just another private equity play—it’s a strategic bet on the future of shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and advanced maritime tech, with the backing of the U.S. government and Korea Development Bank (KDB).
Cerberus Maritime is designed to strengthen strategic maritime infrastructure and supply chains, with a particular focus on U.S. shipbuilding. The strategy will target high-impact opportunities in port modernization, maritime logistics, and cutting-edge maritime technologies. HD Hyundai, as the anchor investor, brings its global expertise in shipbuilding, marine engineering, and digital maritime solutions to the table. This isn’t just about writing checks—HD Hyundai will act as a technical and industrial partner, exploring collaborations with U.S. shipyards, ports, and maritime tech firms.
The partnership aligns with the U.S. government’s initiative to bolster maritime capabilities, and KDB has recognized the strategic alignment with national objectives. KDB intends to facilitate investments into Cerberus Maritime, further strengthening U.S.-Korea collaboration in the maritime industry. This isn’t just about capital—it’s about sharing best practices and technical capabilities to drive innovation and efficiency.
Cerberus has a track record of transforming distressed assets into strategic assets. In 2022, the firm acquired the Subic Bay shipyard in Southeast Asia, revitalizing it into a multi-use facility for shipbuilding, subsea infrastructure, and logistics operations. HD Hyundai, as a key tenant, has enhanced shipbuilding operations at the facility. Beyond Subic Bay, Cerberus has invested in port infrastructure, critical subsea fiber optic systems, and maritime defense systems, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening supply chain integrity and national interests.
“We’re proud to announce this first-of-its-kind partnership that brings together the strengths of Cerberus and HD Hyundai to support this historic commitment to revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector,” said Cerberus CEO Frank Bruno. “We believe our strategy can play an important role by bringing investments alongside operational and technical capabilities to high-impact opportunities. We would like to thank the White House and the entire bipartisan effort to advance maritime reindustrialization in the United States and allied nations, and we are extremely grateful for the strong support from South Korea and their bold commitment to MASGA.”
HD Hyundai Executive Vice Chairman Chung Kisun emphasized the potential for growth and innovation: “We believe that our partnership with Cerberus Capital will not only provide tangible support for MASGA, which aims to revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, but also create new markets and growth opportunities for Korean shipbuilders. Leveraging our proven expertise and digital capabilities, HD Hyundai will support the modernization of U.S. shipbuilding and work with both nations to shape a new chapter in the global shipbuilding industry.”
KDB Vice Chairman & COO Kim Bock-kyu highlighted the broader significance of the partnership: “This investment program is a visionary model of cooperation in the shipbuilding industry, and a manifestation of the enduring trust and partnership between Korea and the United States. As a representative of the Korean financial industry, KDB is proud to play a central role in supporting this investment imperative to ensure its success.”
This partnership could reshape the maritime industry. By combining Cerberus’ investment acumen with HD Hyundai’s technical expertise and KDB’s financial backing, Cerberus Maritime has the potential to drive significant advancements in shipbuilding, port infrastructure, and maritime technology. The collaboration between the U.S. and Korea could set a new standard for international maritime partnerships, fostering innovation and strengthening global supply chains. As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to modernize and decarbonize, this alliance could be a game-changer, driving progress and setting the stage for a new era in maritime development.