Amid strengthened Korea–U.S. cooperation following the conclusion of bilateral customs negotiations for the MASGA project, U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Daryl Caudle visited Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.
Hanwha Ocean announced on November 15 that Admiral Caudle, accompanied by Kevin Kim, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Korea, toured the Geoje facility, including the on-site exhibition hall, assembly plant, and special ship dock. Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-cheol and Special Ship Division President Uh Seong-cheol welcomed the delegation.
Standing in front of the U.S. Navy supply ship USNS Charles Drew—currently undergoing MRO work by Hanwha Ocean—Admiral Caudle praised the company’s world-class shipbuilding capabilities and emphasized that strengthened bilateral cooperation in the sector would further solidify the Korea–U.S. alliance.
Hanwha Ocean has established itself as Korea’s leading provider of MRO services for the U.S. Navy. Starting with the USNS Willi L. Shira in August 2023, the company subsequently completed MRO projects for the USNS Yukon in November 2023 and began work on the USNS Charles Drew this July. The latter is currently undergoing final-stage maintenance, with delivery scheduled for January next year.
Hanwha Ocean’s newly completed Special Ship Plant No. 4 features AI-based integrated control systems and energy management platforms, enabling environmentally responsible operations aligned with carbon neutrality goals. The facility also incorporates automated pipe fabrication systems capable of cutting and bending piping with minimal manual intervention.
During the visit, Admiral Caudle expressed keen interest in advanced automation equipment at Assembly Plant No. 1, where blocks for LNG carriers and ultra-large container ships are manufactured. Notable technologies included the “Long-G” automated welding system—capable of welding ten reinforcement structures simultaneously—and ship block welding robots nicknamed “Dandi” and “Indi.”
Hanwha Ocean executives highlighted the company’s ambitions to expand its U.S. Navy partnerships beyond logistics support vessel MRO services to include combat ship MRO and ultimately newbuild projects, underscoring its rapid delivery capabilities and proven naval solutions.
CEO Kim Hee-cheol stated, “Hanwha Ocean will continue to serve as the U.S. Navy’s most trusted partner and a symbol of strengthened Korea–U.S. alliance. We are fully committed to ensuring the successful execution of the MASGA project in alignment with the broader shipbuilding cooperation framework between our two nations.”
