Hanwha Ocean Partners with Ontario to Revive Shipbuilding
In a significant move to bolster the shipbuilding industry in Canada, South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean has entered into cooperation agreements with Ontario Shipyards. This partnership aims to enhance large-scale shipbuilding capabilities in Ontario, focusing on technical support in various critical areas. The agreements were formalized during a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, emphasizing a commitment to strengthen Ontario’s readiness for future naval programs.
Revitalizing Ontario’s Shipbuilding Sector
Under the newly signed MOU, Hanwha Ocean will provide essential technical assistance in ship design, engineering, production planning, and yard processes. This collaboration is designed to prepare Ontario Shipyards for the construction of large vessels, which is crucial for supporting upcoming Canadian naval initiatives. The partnership marks a pivotal step towards revitalizing the shipbuilding sector in Ontario, which has faced challenges in recent years.
As part of this initiative, Ontario Shipyards plans to commence the construction of a training and recruitment vessel in 2026. Hanwha Ocean will play a vital role in the design and construction phases, serving as an early demonstration of the province’s renewed shipbuilding capabilities. This project not only aims to showcase the potential of Ontario Shipyards but also to lay the groundwork for future shipbuilding endeavors in the region.
Building Skills and Local Capacity
In addition to the shipbuilding agreements, Hanwha Ocean and Ontario Shipyards have signed a letter of intent with Mohawk College to establish a shipbuilding training hub at the Hamilton yard. This program will focus on developing apprenticeships and trade skills, addressing the current labor shortages in the shipbuilding sector. The initiative is expected to create skilled jobs, enhance local supply chains, and contribute to the long-term rebuilding of Canada’s domestic shipbuilding capacity.
The collaboration between Hanwha Ocean, Ontario Shipyards, and Mohawk College reflects a strategic effort to not only revive shipbuilding in Ontario but also to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet future demands. This partnership is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of shipbuilding in Canada, fostering growth and innovation in the industry.
