Hanwha Ocean has begun full-fledged talks to expand cooperation with the Nova Scotia State Governments in Canada and Irving Shipbuilding, Canada's largest shipyard.
Hanwha Ocean said on Apr. 14 that Chief Executive Kim Hee-cheul of Hanwha Ocean recently visited Halifax, Canada, and met with State Governments officials including Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston to discuss defense and industrial cooperation.
Nova Scotia is regarded as a region with an industrial base suitable for building warships and long-term sustainment and operations, and as having competitiveness in advanced industries such as aerospace, offshore wind power, and artificial intelligence.
Hanwha Ocean said the meeting included an exchange of views on strengthening defense readiness, securing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, cultivating local talent, and building an industrial base in line with Canada's defense modernization policy.
Hanwha Ocean shared its long-term industrial participation and sustainment strategy for Canada's submarine program and expressed its intent to expand industrial contributions in Canada.
Kim then discussed potential cooperation with Dirk Lesko, president of Irving Shipbuilding, to help the Royal Canadian Navy secure autonomous submarine capabilities.
Irving Shipbuilding is Canada's largest shipyard, simultaneously carrying out key naval programs under way in Canada, including Arctic and offshore patrol ships, Halifax-class frigate MRO, and the River-class destroyer program equipped with next-generation EGIS systems.
The discussion covered the importance of sustainable job creation, development of skilled workers, a stable supply chain, expanded participation by small and midsize enterprises, and the establishment of a Canada-led long-term submarine maintenance and repair industrial base through cooperation between Hanwha and Irving Shipbuilding.
The two companies' cooperation is expected to help simultaneously secure a stable sustainment system and industrial base needed for Canada's submarine program by combining Hanwha Ocean's design and construction technology with Irving Shipbuilding's local production and supply capabilities.
Kim said, "In the process of winning Canada's submarine program, building a stable maintenance, repair and overhaul system and strengthening a Canada-led industrial base are serving as key evaluation factors," and added, "Through close cooperation with Canadian industry and the government, we will build a Canada-centered, sustainable submarine operations ecosystem and strengthen competitiveness."
Hanwha Ocean has been expanding its cooperation base with local corporations to win Canada's submarine program, including recently signing a strategic agreement with PCL, Canada's largest construction company. In addition, through agreements with major Canadian corporations, it plans to link Canadian corporations to the global submarine supply chain.