SK Oceanplant announced on January 7 that it has successfully completed the Port Security Assessment, the final step required to obtain the Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) certification for participation in U.S. Navy combat ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) programs. Based on the assessment results, the company expects to secure official MSRA certification within the first quarter of this year.
The MSRA is a certification granted by the U.S. Navy that authorizes shipyards to directly participate in MRO projects for major combatant ships. Shipyards without MSRA certification are limited to maintenance work on non-combat vessels, such as logistics support ships.
The recent port security assessment followed an initial on-site inspection conducted in September last year by the U.S. Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP). The second-stage review comprehensively evaluated physical security systems, vessel access control procedures, and port facility security management capabilities.
SK Oceanplant previously received favorable evaluations during the first inspection for its facility competitiveness, quality control systems, and safety and environmental management. In the second assessment, the company’s security control systems and compliance frameworks were also reportedly rated at a high level.
Following the completion of administrative approval procedures by NAVSUP, SK Oceanplant expects to formally obtain MSRA certification within the first quarter, paving the way for full participation in U.S. Navy combat ship MRO projects.
“The successful completion of the port security assessment marks a significant milestone in our expansion into the global defense and naval maintenance market,” said Kang Young-gyu, CEO of SK Oceanplant. “It will open broader opportunities not only with the U.S. Navy but also with allied naval forces.”
Designated as a defense shipbuilder by the Korean government in 2017, SK Oceanplant has delivered more than 30 vessels to the Republic of Korea Navy and Coast Guard. The company is currently constructing three follow-on Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2027.
Beyond naval vessels, SK Oceanplant has built a solid track record in commercial ship MRO, repairing approximately 30 LNG carriers, tankers, and container ships annually. Its large-scale floating dock, measuring 430 meters in length and 84 meters in width, enables maintenance work on ultra-large vessels, including VLCCs and container ships exceeding 18,000 TEU.
