New Partnership Revives Shipbuilding in Great Lakes
A groundbreaking partnership between South Korea‘s Hanwha Ocean and Ontario Shipyards is set to revitalize large-scale shipbuilding in Canada’s Great Lakes. This collaboration aims not only to enhance ship construction capabilities but also to develop a skilled workforce essential for future submarine projects. The two companies have formalized their alliance through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding, marking a significant step towards reinvigorating Ontario’s industrial sector.
Strategic Collaboration and Workforce Development
Under the newly signed agreement, Hanwha Ocean will lend its extensive technical and operational expertise to Ontario Shipyards. This includes support in ship design, engineering, production planning, quality control, and advanced yard processes. The primary objective is to accelerate the return of complex vessel construction to Ontario, which has faced challenges in maintaining its shipbuilding capacity over the years.
In conjunction with this partnership, Hanwha Ocean and Ontario Shipyards are collaborating with Mohawk College to create a state-of-the-art training facility within Ontario Shipyards’ Hamilton yard. This initiative directly addresses the persistent skilled labor shortages that have hindered Canada’s marine and defense industries. Mohawk College will spearhead training programs in various fields, including welding, electrical trades, marine mechanics, and robotics, all conducted in an active shipyard environment. Hanwha Ocean will provide technical advisory support, ensuring that the training aligns with global best practices.
“Our goal is not just to transfer knowledge but to integrate Hanwha Ocean’s advanced shipbuilding techniques into Ontario Shipyards’ operations,” stated Hee-Chul Kim, President and CEO of Hanwha Ocean. This commitment to workforce development is crucial for ensuring that Canada has the skilled labor necessary to support its maritime ambitions.
Long-Term Implications for Canadian Shipbuilding
The partnership also holds significant long-term strategic implications. Should Hanwha Ocean be selected for Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the company has expressed intentions to invest further in Ontario. This could include establishing a dedicated shipbuilding training center and enhancing collaboration with local suppliers, thereby strengthening the region’s industrial base.
Hanwha Ocean is recognized as one of the world’s largest integrated shipyards, employing over 31,000 workers and delivering approximately 45 vessels annually. With a rich history dating back to 1973, the company has built more than 1,400 ships, specializing in submarine and surface combatant construction for the Republic of Korea Navy.
Ontario Shipyards, with facilities in Hamilton, Port Weller, and Thunder Bay, has traditionally focused on vessel life extensions and support for the Canadian Coast Guard. This new partnership signals a potential shift towards rebuilding domestic shipbuilding capacity in the Great Lakes region, an area that has struggled to maintain its maritime manufacturing capabilities for decades. If successful, this initiative could position Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe as a renewed hub for advanced marine manufacturing, aligning with Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and the future requirements of the Royal Canadian Navy.
