Inside the world’s largest shipyard with giant 185m cranes almost as big as Canary Wharf

Ulsan shipyard has built some of the world’s biggest vessels. (Image: Getty)

In Ulsan, South Korea, Hyundai Heavy Industries operates the largest shipyard on the planet—a colossal complex where some of the world’s most massive vessels are built.

Towering 185-meter cranes, nearly as tall as London’s Canary Wharf, dominate the skyline, easily moving enormous quantities of steel across the shipyard.

Among HHI’s achievements is the Globe, which set sail in December 2014 as the world’s largest ship.

The significance of shipbuilding at HHI cannot be overstated, as ships still transport around 90% of global trade.

To stay competitive, HHI combines classic shipbuilding techniques with modern innovations.

Hyundai Heavy Industries operates the largest shipyard on the planet. (Image: Getty)

While cranes handle heavy lifting, robots carry out welding, which offers unmatched speed and precision.

Automation has become a cornerstone of HHI’s approach, with robotics accelerating production, enhancing safety, and reducing error margins.

In HHI’s research and development labs, even familiar ship components like the propeller are getting upgraded.

Ship propellers, typically massive and spinning at high speeds, cause water pressure drops that create bubbles.

These bubbles, upon collapsing, release shock waves that can damage the propeller’s blades.

HHI engineers have devised a novel solution: a miniature turbine at the propeller's tip designed to disrupt the bubbles before they form.

Early simulations suggest this could improve fuel efficiency by reducing drag, potentially leading to significant energy savings for vessels on long-haul journeys.

As global demand for shipping continues, HHI’s shipyard is shaping the future of maritime trade.

Through blending time-honoured practices with technological innovation, HHI remains at the forefront of an industry that keeps the world’s goods moving.