The European Commission, which paused its probe in July last year while waiting for the companies to provide requested data, had previously expressed concerns that the deal could inflate prices and reduce competition in cargo shipbuilding.

The EU competition enforcer resumed its probe on Nov. 18, according to a filing on its website.

Hyundai, one of the world's largest shipyard, had made an informal offer of concessions last year in a bid to address the regulatory concerns, people familiar with the matter had told Reuters.

The deal also requires regulatory approval in South Korea and Japan.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee, Editing by Louise Heavens)