Hanwha Ocean Expands Cooperation with Canada’s Largest Shipyard...Strengthening Localization Strategy

Hanwha Ocean is accelerating efforts to establish a collaborative network with the government of Nova Scotia, Canada, and Irving Shipbuilding, the largest shipyard in Canada.

Hanwha Ocean announced on April 14 that Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, recently visited Halifax, Canada, where he met with Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, and other provincial government officials to discuss defense and industrial cooperation initiatives.

Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean (fourth from the left), and Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia, Canada (third from the left), along with other officials from both countries, are posing for a commemorative photo after their meeting. Hanwha Ocean

원본보기 아이콘

During this meeting, key issues were discussed in line with Canada's defense modernization policy, including strengthening defense readiness, securing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, developing local talent, and building an industrial base. Regarding the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), Hanwha Ocean shared its strategy for long-term industrial participation and sustainment, while also emphasizing its commitment to expanding contributions to local industry.

Nova Scotia is regarded as a region with a solid industrial foundation suitable for vessel construction and long-term MRO. It is also recognized for its competitiveness in advanced sectors such as aerospace, offshore wind power, and artificial intelligence. In conjunction with the recent 'Team Canada' visit to Korea, Hanwha Ocean has been expanding collaboration with local companies. The company has signed agreements with Modest Tree, GeoSpectrum Technologies, and Ultra Maritime to connect Canadian firms to the global submarine supply chain.

Kim then held a meeting with Dirk Lesko, President of Irving Shipbuilding, to discuss ways to support the Canadian Navy in developing autonomous submarine capabilities. In particular, they agreed that cooperation between Hanwha and Irving Shipbuilding could lead to sustainable job creation, nurturing of skilled labor, establishment of a stable supply chain, greater participation of small and medium-sized enterprises, and strengthening of the domestic industrial ecosystem.

Irving Shipbuilding is the largest shipyard in Canada, concurrently undertaking major naval projects such as the construction of Arctic and offshore patrol vessels, MRO of Halifax-class frigates, and the River-class destroyer program equipped with next-generation Aegis systems. The company is especially noted for its experience in warship construction and sustainment, as well as its extensive local supply network under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

Kim Heecheol, CEO of Hanwha Ocean, stated, “In the process of securing the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), rapid force integration, establishment of a stable MRO system, enhancement of Canadian-led industrial capabilities, and long-term technology transfer and job creation have emerged as key evaluation criteria. We will continue to strengthen our competitiveness by building a sustainable, Canada-centered submarine operations ecosystem through close cooperation with Canadian industry and government to meet these requirements.”

Meanwhile, Hanwha Ocean has recently expanded its collaboration with local companies to secure the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, including signing a strategic agreement with PCL, Canada’s largest construction company.

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.