Posco Becomes First in Korea to Develop High-Ductility and Armor Steel for Naval Vessels

Korean Register Certification Acquired
Enhanced Survivability and Maneuverability for Naval Vessels

POSCO has set a new milestone in strengthening the competitiveness of South Korea's defense industry by developing steel materials for naval vessels.

Virtual image of a next-generation naval vessel incorporating new defense materials. Provided by POSCO

POSCO announced on the 12th that it has developed, for the first time in Korea, high-ductility steel and armor steel for naval vessels and obtained classification approval from the Korean Register in January. This certification was granted after the company successfully completed the entire process, from steel development and weldability verification to protection performance evaluation for warships.

The newly developed high-ductility steel is characterized by an elongation rate that is more than 35% higher than that of existing shipbuilding thick-plate steel. In an actual naval vessel collision simulation, its shock absorption rate was found to be improved by about 58%. Through this, the material can effectively absorb impact via deformation in collisions with ships or floating structures, minimizing damage to the vessel and enhancing its survivability.

To simultaneously enhance the safety and maneuverability of naval vessels, POSCO also developed armor steel whose thickness is reduced by about 30% compared with existing shipbuilding thick-plate steel. This armor steel is applied to upper structures such as the wheelhouse, radar systems, and advanced weapon systems, thereby securing protection performance against external threats. At the same time, weight reduction contributes to improved resistance and resilience against hull motion.

POSCO presented the development status of this technology at the "International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX)" and the "Naval Technology and Weapon Systems Seminar" held in May last year, drawing attention from defense industry officials at home and abroad.

This project is the outcome of years of joint research led by the POSCO Technical Research Laboratories, completed through a one-team collaboration system involving all departments, including production, quality, and marketing. The company expects this achievement to serve as an important foundation not only for enhancing the performance of the Republic of Korea Navy's next-generation warships, but also for strengthening the technological competitiveness of domestic shipyards.

In addition, the materials can be applied to overseas projects such as naval vessels for South American and Southeast Asian navies, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and newbuild programs for U.S. Navy ships. As such, they are expected to contribute to expanding K-defense exports and advancing into the global naval vessel market.

Meanwhile, POSCO Group Chairman Chang Inhwa stated in his New Year's address that "we must further strengthen our market leadership and optimize our profit structure by completing a product portfolio that is essential for future industries." The latest achievement is seen as being closely aligned with this group strategy.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.