SEOUL: Kim Dong-kwan, vice chairman of Hanwha Group, has reiterated the conglomerate’s dedication to bolstering its collaboration with the U.S. Navy following discussions with Admiral Steve Koehler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The meeting, held on Thursday, focused on expanding partnerships in naval vessel maintenance services, according to a statement from the company.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Vice Chairman Kim and Admiral Koehler toured Hanwha Ocean Co.’s shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, where they inspected the U.S. naval ship Wally Schirra. The 40,000-ton logistics support vessel, which arrived in Geoje last month, is undergoing a scheduled overhaul as part of a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contract between Hanwha Ocean and the U.S. Navy. The vessel is slated to be returned to the U.S. Navy following a three-month repair program.
During the visit, Kim emphasized Hanwha Ocean’s commitment to delivering high-quality services to the U.S. Navy and optimizing the supply chain of ke
y equipment to ensure future MRO project success. He noted that Hanwha Ocean’s efforts would contribute in various ways to the U.S. Navy’s military buildup, including leveraging the capabilities of the newly acquired Philly Shipyard.
Admiral Koehler highlighted the significance of reliable partners for the Pacific Fleet and acknowledged that Hanwha Ocean’s involvement in the MRO project represents a pivotal development for the U.S.-South Korea alliance. The U.S. has been exploring the outsourcing of naval MRO operations to allies possessing advanced shipbuilding technologies and facilities, such as South Korea.
In alignment with its strategy to penetrate the U.S. MRO and shipbuilding markets, Hanwha Group has secured several major repair contracts and acquired Philadelphia-based Philly Shipyard Inc. for $100 million in June.