자주포 만드는 한화에어로, LNG 유통사업 본격화…“에너지·방산 통합”

South Korea's leading distributor, Hanwha Aerospace, has established an American company to begin its liquefied natural gas (LNG) distribution business. The expansion into energy distribution is unlike anything seen in foreign distributors, as it leverages the group's existing capacities. The newly created company, named Hanwha HorizonUSA, will manage the supply, trading, and logistics of Hanwha Aerospace's LNG operations.

James Segar, a marine and energy expert from ExxonMobil, will lead the company. Earlier this year, Hanwha Aerospace signed a deal with U.S. company Venture Global to purchase LNG, signaling its entry into the global market. From 2030 to 2040, the company plans to secure 1.5 million tons of LNG annually, which it will supply to Europe and Asia.

The combined distribution and LNG distribution is described as creating a "global LNG value chain." This strategy includes Hanwha HorizonUSA (LNG supply) - Hanwha Ocean (LNG transport vessels) - Hanwha Shiping (LNG transportation) - Hanwha Energy (LNG power generation). The company plans to supply LNG to its own LNG power plant in Yongin, scheduled to start commercial operation in 2029.

Hanwha Aerospace also plans to venture into LNG trading on a global scale. The distributor's role is also seen as providing a lever for exporting diversified energy products. Hanwha Aerospace explains that this contributes to South Korea's energy security and enhances U.S.-South Korea energy security cooperation. It is expected that a stable LNG supply chain will enable the company to become an integrated security partner for client nations and energy distribution.

Hanwha Aerospace's subsidiary, Hanwha DefenseUSA, signed a contract to supply six K9MH 155mm self-propelled howitzers to the U.S. Army on April 19, marking its successful entry into the largest distributor market in the U.S. In its second-quarter report released on April 14, Hanwha Aerospace secured its first global credit rating (A-) from S&P Global Ratings, placing it alongside global distributors like RTHK Martin and BAE Systems.