Hanwha signals readiness to build US nuclear submarines at Philly Shipyard

Hanwha Group has announced its readiness to participate in the construction of nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy at its Philadelphia shipyard. This initiative is part of a broader U.S.-Korea shipbuilding project called “Make American Shipbuilding Great Again” (MASGA). The announcement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recognition of Hanwha Group as a partner in developing a new class of frigates for the Navy, highlighting the South Korean conglomerate’s role in revitalizing naval shipbuilding in collaboration with allies.

During a media briefing at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, executives from Hanwha outlined the progress of the MASGA project and the shipyard’s development plan. This event marked one year since Hanwha acquired the facility for $100 million. The MASGA project aims to rejuvenate the American shipbuilding industry through a $150 billion investment fund backed by the South Korean government, with Hanwha positioned as a key industrial partner.

Strategic Preparations and Workforce Expansion

Tom Anderson, president of U.S. shipbuilding at Hanwha Defense USA and a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral, shared that the company has already begun preparations for nuclear submarine construction. These efforts include expanding the workforce, enhancing productivity, investing in facilities, and transferring technology based on best practices from South Korean shipyards. Anderson emphasized that Hanwha possesses the necessary capabilities to execute the project effectively.

Alex Wong, Hanwha Group’s global chief strategy officer, noted that there is a growing consensus within the Trump administration regarding the need to expand shipbuilding capabilities through collaboration with allied nations like South Korea. He stated that once the U.S. government determines the type of submarines to be built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, the company is fully prepared to respond.

The U.S. Navy aims to modernize its undersea fleet by expanding the Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to a total of 66 vessels by 2054, with 24 already completed. Achieving this target will require the construction of approximately two submarines per year. Hanwha Philly Shipyard has been identified as a potential production site to help meet this demand.

While Hanwha has not previously built nuclear-powered submarines, Anderson pointed out that the Virginia-class submarines utilize a mature and validated design, allowing newcomers to “catch up” and accelerate their development capabilities. The Philadelphia shipyard is strategically located near existing U.S. shipyards that are currently constructing Virginia submarines, facilitating direct collaboration and efficient transportation of parts.

Anderson concluded by stating that the goal is to combine Hanwha’s shipbuilding expertise with the U.S. Navy’s experience in designing and operating nuclear-powered submarines. This collaboration will leverage a broader supply network that includes South Korean shipbuilding partners, ultimately improving production schedules for submarines built for the U.S. Navy.