Hanwha vice chair meets U.S. admiral to discuss enhancing partnership

SEOUL, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) — Kim Dong-kwan, vice chairman of Hanwha Group, has reaffirmed the group’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the U.S. Navy while meeting with the chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the company said Friday.

Kim met with Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, on Thursday to discuss ways to further expand their partnership for naval vessel maintenance services.

Vice Chairman Kim emphasized Hanwha Ocean’s commitment to providing high-quality services for the U.S. Navy, while taking a joint tour to Hanwha Ocean Co.’s shipyard in Geoje on the southern coast of South Korea to inspect the U.S. naval ship Wally Schirra.

The 40,000-ton logistics support vessel arrived in Geoje last month, and is currently undergoing a regular overhaul under a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) contract between Hanwha Ocean and the U.S. Navy. It is set to be redelivered to the U.S. Navy after a three-month repair program, according to Hanwha Group.

“We will optimize the supply chain of key equipment to ensure success in future MRO projects for U.S. Navy ships,” he said. “Hanwha Ocean will contribute to the U.S. Navy’s military buildup in various ways, including utilizing the recently acquired Philly Shipyard.”

Koehler underscored the importance of dependable partners for the Pacific Fleet, noting that Hanwha Ocean’s involvement in the MRO project for the U.S. Navy’s logistics support vessel marks a significant advancement for the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

The U.S. has been actively considering outsourcing naval MRO operations to allies with advanced shipbuilding technologies and facilities, such as South Korea.

As part of its broader strategy to enter the U.S. MRO and shipbuilding markets, Hanwha Group has secured several major repair contracts while also acquiring Philadelphia-based Philly Shipyard Inc. for US$100 million in June.

brk@yna.co.kr