Hanwha Ocean wins four-ship container order from HMM
Hanwha Ocean announced it has secured an order of 1.07 trillion won ($730 Million USD), or about 730 Million US Dollars, from Korean liner operator HMM for four large containerships at a cost of about 1.07 trillion won, for construction by February 2029 as part of their mid to long term fleet expansion strategy through 2030. The contract, disclosed through regulatory filings, includes delivery dates as early as February 2029.
According to company statements, these ships will be designed as environmentally-friendly high-value added tonnage vessels with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and emissions performance across HMM's global network. At the time of placing this order, Hanwha Ocean had secured contracts for 41 vessels in 2016, including oil tankers, container ships, LNG carriers and an icebreaking research vessel - with an aggregate value estimated at almost 7.7 billion US dollars.
Sign a Strategic MoU with Cohort for Royal Thai Navy Frigate Program
Hanwha Ocean recently signed an MoU with UK-based defence technology group Cohort during the Defense and Security 2025 exhibition in Bangkok, targeting cooperation on Royal Thai Navys second phase frigate acquisition program due for implementation by 2026, as well as wider export shipbuilding opportunities.
Under this MoU, Cohort will deliver sonar, torpedo launchers, surveillance and fire control systems, communications management and satellite communication terminals - equipment already proven across multiple navies - while Hanwha Ocean will contribute its warship design and construction expertise; specifically with regards to their prior delivery of HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej to Royal Thai Navy in 2018. Together they aim to offer larger frigates with enhanced lethality and future-proof modular architectures.
Canadian Patrol Submarine Project in Partnership with PCL Construction:
Hanwha Ocean has made strides forward in Canada's Patrol Submarine Project by formalising an MOU with Canadian contractor PCL Construction for infrastructure development of this programme. Both KSS III submarine from Hanwha Ocean and one from Germanys ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems have been shortlisted by the Canadian government as potential solutions - positioning Hanwha Ocean as a serious contender to replace Victoria class fleet submarines in multibillion dollar contract bid.
PCL released on November 10, 2025 a statement noting Hanwha Ocean's intention, should they win the contract in 2026, to deliver four KSS III boats to the Royal Canadian Navy prior to 2035 in order to facilitate early retirement of current submarines and save approximately 1 billion Canadian dollars in maintenance and support costs. After this initial batch has been delivered at one per year rate until all 12 submarines have been supplied - completing 12 boat fleet by around 2043. The shipbuilder had also signed over a dozen teaming agreements and MoUs with Canadian firms since 2023 in order to promote local industrial participation and ensure maximum industrial participation.
Hanwha Ocean Ecotech and Alfa Laval join forces on ammonia fuel systems.
On the clean technology front, Hanwha Ocean Ecotech and Alfa Laval Korea signed an MoU during Kormarine 2025 exhibition in Busan to co-develop ammonia fuel systems solutions for dual fuel vessels. The agreement aims at helping the maritime sector transition towards alternative and lower carbon fuel sources.
Alfa Laval will contribute its expertise in ammonia fuel supply systems and mitigation technologies such as its ammonia release mitigation system (ARMS), while Hanwha Ocean Ecotech will focus on marine systems engineering and integration. In collaboration, these partners plan joint business development efforts, project cooperation agreements, as well as at least one pilot installation to create safe, reliable ammonia fuel solutions and gain early traction in an emerging marine fuels market.
Chinese authorities temporarily suspend countermeasures against Hanwha Ocean subsidiaries.
Hanwha Ocean experienced both commercial and technological developments during their time in China, as well as regulatory shifts that positively impacted them there. On February 25, 2019 alone, China's Ministry of Commerce announced a one-year suspension of countermeasures against five US subsidiaries of Hanwha Ocean's Republic of Korea-based shipbuilding enterprise - Hanwha Ocean was previously subject to this countermeasure which placed restrictions on these entities for up to one year after its announcement by Chinese regulators. It took immediate effect upon announcement and eased restrictions affecting these entities affected for that time frame.
This move underscores how Hanwha Ocean operations intersect with wider trade and geopolitical dynamics, including tensions involving major economies. While specific commercial ramifications were not specified, this decision may reduce friction for affiliated Hanwha Ocean entities dealing with Chinese stakeholders and could provide more predictable access to China in the short term.
Naval Diplomacy: U S Navy Leadership Engagement at Hanwha Ocean Yard
Hanwha Oceans' growing prominence as a naval supplier is evidenced in their engagement with recent high level military engagement, such as a visit from the Chief of Naval Operations for the United States Navy to Hanwha's shipyard in November, according to reported media. The visit emphasized expanding defense industrial cooperation between South Korea and the US relating to both undersea combatant technologies as well as surface combatant technologies.
Hanwha Ocean views these partnerships as key to fulfilling its strategic goal of becoming a leading provider of maritime K defence systems worldwide, drawing upon its experience in submarines, frigates and high specification commercial tonnage to build partnerships with allied navies and defense contractors.