U.S. senator boosts Korea-U.S. shipbuilding ties with Hanwha Ocean visit

U.S. Senator Dave McCormick journeyed to Hanwha Ocean's Geoje site on July 7th to assess the progress of the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding collaboration. McCormick, who represents Pennsylvania, noted that the Philly shipyard is located at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje facility. Hanwha Ocean revealed that on July 8th, McCormick embarked on a tour of the Geoje site's automation facilities and warship construction area before boarding the Pyeongtaek, which is the most recent vessel being built in the Batch III (Chungnam-class) series. This vessel is currently under construction at the Geoje site.

Hanwha Ocean has unveiled a shipbuilding cooperation plan between the Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc. and the Geoje site. The plan aims to enhance cooperation in areas such as warship design and construction, workforce development for shipbuilding, and supply chain establishment. McCormick expressed his admiration for the high proficiency demonstrated across various dimensions, including technology, productivity, quality, and safety.

He also stated that Hanwha Ocean will play a significant role in the expansion of Philadelphia's shipbuilding industry through the Philly shipyard.

In addition, Hanwha Ocean is accelerating the growth of its U.S. operations. The company is collaborating with Leidos Gibbs & Cox, a naval architecture firm in the U.S., to jointly design a strategic sealift ship. Furthermore, Hanwha Ocean is working with Delaware County Community College to cultivate shipbuilding talent. The company is also discussing the establishment of a local supply chain with economic groups in the Philadelphia area.

Currently, Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc. employs around 2,500 individuals, approximately double the workforce at the time of the 2024 acquisition. On July 8th, the company secured an order from the U.S. Maritime Administration for a Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel (MRIV). Thus far, Hanwha Ocean has delivered four National Security Multi-Mission Vessels (NSMV), with the fifth and final ship set for delivery next year.

Jung In-seop, president and head of corporate management support at Hanwha Ocean, emphasized that the plan is centered on expanding production capacity with a focus on Pennsylvania. In order to achieve this goal, Hanwha Ocean intends to broaden collaboration with local partners, fostering joint growth for both the Korean and U.S. shipbuilding industries.