Navy to entrust depot-level maintenance of Aegis destroyer to Hanwha Ocean

Seoul, August 28 - The South Korean Navy has entered into an agreement with Hanwha Ocean Co. to delegate the depot-level maintenance of its 7,600-ton Aegis destroyer, ROKS Sejong the Great, from September to next March. This marks the first instance of the Navy outsourcing the comprehensive maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of a surface warship to a private entity.

Depot maintenance entails a thorough overhaul where a ship is dismantled and aging components are replaced to maintain optimal functionality. The Navy's decision to outsource this maintenance comes as part of its strategy to focus more on combat missions by alleviating the maintenance workload for its personnel and enhancing maintenance efficiency.

Additionally, the Navy intends to improve the living conditions aboard the warship, including the crew's sleeping quarters and washrooms. The agreement also aims to bolster small and medium-sized MRO companies by involving them in the project, ensuring coordinated maintenance work with shipyards and benefiting these smaller firms.