Canada Eyes Hanwha Ocean for Submarine Project
SEOUL, Feb. 2 (Yonhap) — Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s minister responsible for defense procurement, visited Hanwha Ocean Co.’s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, on Monday. This visit is part of Canada’s efforts to select a supplier for its significant submarine acquisition initiative. Hanwha Ocean and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) were shortlisted last summer for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), which aims to introduce up to 12 submarines.
Minister Fuhr Explores Submarine Capabilities
During his tour of Hanwha’s shipyard, located approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Minister Fuhr assessed the company’s construction capabilities. He boarded the Jang Bogo-III Batch-II submarine, named Jang Yeong-sil, which Hanwha Ocean has proposed for the CPSP. Fuhr expressed enthusiasm about the advanced technologies showcased during his visit, calling the experience “amazing.”
The CPSP is a crucial defense program valued at around 60 trillion won (approximately US$41 billion). It encompasses not only the construction of submarines but also their lifetime maintenance and support. The shortlisted companies are expected to submit their proposals to the Canadian government by March.
Ted Kirkpatrick, vice president of Ontario Shipyards, noted that the visit allowed for benchmarking Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding capabilities against Canadian facilities. This collaboration aims to enhance the utilization of Canadian shipyard resources and workforce in the future.
Strategic Partnerships and Future Prospects
In preparation for the CPSP bid, Hanwha Ocean has been proactive in forming strategic partnerships. Last month, the company signed memorandums of understanding with five Canadian firms, focusing on cooperation in steelmaking, artificial intelligence (AI), and aerospace sectors.
Hanwha Ocean’s CEO, Kim Hee-cheul, emphasized the significance of Minister Fuhr’s visit, viewing it as a critical assessment by the Canadian government of Hanwha’s capability to execute the CPSP project. He assured that Hanwha Ocean is prepared to provide optimal solutions for the Canadian Navy and aims to be a reliable partner for Canada’s defense needs.
As the deadline for proposals approaches, the outcome of this collaboration could significantly impact the future of Canada’s naval capabilities.
