Hanwha Ocean strengthens presence in global maritime defense sector

By Park Jae-hyuk

Hanwha Ocean has achieved a major milestone in Korea’s maritime defense industry, becoming the first domestic shipyard to secure maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contracts for U.S. Navy vessels.

This milestone marks a significant breakthrough for the nation’s maritime defense sector, allowing Hanwha Ocean to enter the U.S. Navy’s ship MRO market — valued at approximately 20 trillion Korean won ($13.8 billion) annually — while securing a stable and sustainable revenue stream.

In July last year, Hanwha Ocean obtained a Master Ship Repair Agreement certification from the U.S. Navy’s Naval Supply Systems Command. Within a month, the company secured its first MRO contract for the USNS Wally Schirra, a 40,000-ton dry cargo and ammunition ship. In November, Hanwha Ocean further strengthened its foothold in the sector by winning an additional contract for the USNS Yukon, a replenishment ship serving the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet.

Hanwha Ocean’s recent acquisition of Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia is expected to bolster its MRO operations, further solidifying its presence in the U.S. defense market and expanding opportunities for bilateral collaboration. Additionally, the company is actively participating in naval modernization projects with key allied nations through strategic partnerships with leading defense powers.

In the global submarine market, Hanwha Ocean is competing on equal footing with top submarine manufacturers, backed by its on-time delivery capabilities, cutting-edge quality and sea-proven technology. Notably, its submarines are attracting significant interest as Canada, Poland and Middle Eastern nations launch large-scale submarine acquisition projects.

Canada is moving forward with the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, which aims to acquire up to 12 submarines, while Poland is advancing its Orka program as part of a broader naval modernization effort. With intense competition from France, Germany, Sweden, Spain and other global players, defense industry experts have identified Hanwha Ocean's KSS-III as the most suitable option for both the Canadian and Polish submarine projects.

Designed and built by Hanwha Ocean, the KSS-III submarine features a hull design optimized to minimize underwater radiated noise, allowing it to operate with remarkable stealth. It integrates cutting-edge innovations, such as a fuel-cell Air Independent Propulsion system and a state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery system, enabling extended underwater missions for over three weeks.

The KSS-III is also equipped with advanced capabilities, including the ability to fire submarine-launched ballistic missiles and submarine-launched cruise missiles, significantly enhancing its deterrence capabilities.

Additionally, the submarine boasts an integrated combat management and sonar system, along with an advanced communication system, ensuring full interoperability with allied nations. In an increasingly complex security environment, KSS-III submarines are already in active service with the Republic of Korea Navy. Fully prepared to meet and exceed the rigorous requirements of foreign navies, the KSS-III is positioned as a next-generation solution in modern naval defense.