The expansion was marked by the signing of a prime contract and two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) during the opening ceremony of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation Center in Washington.
Under the primary agreement, Hanwha Ocean and U.S. defense contractor Leidos will initiate joint design operations for a "Global Fast Sealift" vessel. The dual-use platform is designed to support commercial shipping during peacetime while ensuring rapid military logistics transport during crises and wartime.
Building on an initial memorandum of intent signed in April, the two companies advanced their partnership into a Professional Services Agreement to secure joint technology development and design quality standards.
Hanwha Ocean will contribute its maritime and shipbuilding capabilities, while Leidos will provide naval architecture and engineering expertise through its subsidiary, Gibbs & Cox. According to company statements, Gibbs & Cox has designed more than 70 percent of the U.S. Navy’s surface combatants since World War II.
Workforce and Supply Chain Initiatives
Beyond vessel construction, Hanwha Ocean is broadening its U.S. strategy to encompass workforce development and supply chain integration.
An MoU signed among Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Philly Shipyard, and Delaware County Community College aims to develop specialized training programs in shipbuilding technologies and train instructors. Delaware County Community College currently provides technical education support for U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship programs at Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
A third MoU, aimed at bolstering the supply chain in the Philadelphia region, brings together Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Philly Shipyard, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership to identify and integrate local suppliers.
"Hanwha Ocean is fully prepared to contribute to the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and support Korea's continued advancement in the sector," said Insub Jung, President and Head of the Management Support Office at Hanwha Ocean. "By expanding this cooperation—built on our local manufacturing infrastructure—into areas critical to the U.S., we will serve as a key driver of the MASGA Project."
The strategic moves aim to permanently boost Hanwha Ocean's production capacity in the U.S. market by integrating advanced design, skilled human resources, and local supply chain networks.