Hanwha Ocean’s push into US naval maintenance operations gained momentum as Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler inspected the company’s inaugural military vessel overhaul at its Geoje shipyard in South Korea.
The visit by Admiral Koehler follows Hanwha’s July agreement to service US Navy vessels and its first contract secured in August for the 40,000-ton Wally Schirra. Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan led the commander through the ongoing four-month maintenance project.
The Korean shipbuilder aims to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul services for US Military Sealift Command vessels in the Indo-Pacific, leveraging its recently acquired Phil Sea Shipyard. This aligns with the Pentagon’s strategy to establish logistics hubs across five regional locations including South Korea and Japan.
Kim said the company will grow its naval maintenance portfolio, while Koehler noted the project’s importance for regional stability.
US Navy’s engagement with Hanwha marks a shift in its regional maintenance strategy, with the February visit by Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro highlighting growing bilateral defense industrial ties. The collaboration could strengthen the US military’s supply chain in Asia as tensions rise over Taiwan and North Korea.
