Hanwha Ocean advances Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation through naval vessel development and broader industry collaboration

Hanwha Ocean signed one agreement and two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with U.S. partners covering naval ship design, workforce development, and supply chain cooperation at the opening ceremony of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., further strengthening shipbuilding collaboration between Korea and the U.S.

Hanwha Ocean signed a Professional Services Agreement for the design of the Global Fast Sealift (GFS) with Leidos, advancing the partnership beyond the MOU signed in April under which the two companies agreed to collaborate on next-generation naval ship design, strengthen U.S. shipbuilding capacity, and pursue opportunities across global defense markets. Gibbs & Cox, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, has designed more than 70% of U.S. Navy surface combatants since World War II.

Under the agreement, the two companies will begin the joint design of the GFS. They will also pursue collaborative technology development and establish a framework to ensure design quality throughout the design process. By combining Hanwha Ocean’s naval shipbuilding capabilities with Leidos’ ship design and engineering expertise, the companies aim to deliver a reliable and proven platform to the U.S. and global markets.

The GFS is designed to support commercial shipping during peacetime while providing rapid military sealift during wartime. As a dual-use platform, it delivers both economic and strategic value, offering a solution capable of meeting diverse requirements across the U.S. and global naval vessel markets.

Hanwha Ocean also signed an MOU for Shipbuilding Technology Training & Development Cooperation with Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI) and Delaware County Community College (DCCC). The parties plan to help address workforce needs across the U.S. shipbuilding industry through workforce development efforts, including instructor training programs and other efforts to cultivate highly skilled shipbuilding professionals.

DCCC, located in eastern Pennsylvania, is an accredited, public, two-year college that provides high-quality education, workforce development, and technical training. DCCC serves as the Related Technical Instruction (RTI) provider for HPSI’s four U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs, delivering the technical education that complements on-the-job training and supports the development of the shipyard's highly skilled workforce.

Hanwha Ocean also signed an MOU for Supply Chain Cooperation with HPSI, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership. Through the agreement, the parties will work together to identify local suppliers and promote collaboration across the regional industrial ecosystem, supporting the development of a stronger U.S. shipbuilding supply chain and the expansion of HPSI's production capabilities.

“Hanwha Ocean is fully prepared to contribute to the revitalization of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and the continued advancement of Korea’s shipbuilding sector,” said Insub Jung, President and Head of Management Support Office at Hanwha Ocean. “Building on our local production footprint, we will expand cooperation in areas most critical to the U.S.”

About Hanwha Ocean 

Hanwha Ocean is a leading global company with extensive expertise and experience in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. Boasting the world’s most competitive LNG carriers built with eco-friendly and highly efficient technology, the company has continuously pioneered new businesses since 1973, producing a vast range of vessels, including commercial ships, drillships, and specialty ships. Hanwha Ocean will be at the forefront of pioneering advanced marine solutions for decarbonization and further expand Hanwha’s green energy ecosystem to create positive, sustainable change throughout the world.

For more information, visit: www.hanwhaocean.com/

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 50,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $17.2 billion for the fiscal year ended January 2, 2026. 

For more information, visit: http://www.leidos.com

About Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Inc.

Hanwha Philly Shipyard is a leading U.S. shipbuilder that has earned a reputation as a preferred provider of ocean-going merchant vessels with a track record of delivering quality ships, having delivered around 50% of all large ocean-going U.S. Jones Act commercial ships since 2000. The shipyard is part of Hanwha Group, a multinational company with a robust network of affiliates in the energy, shipbuilding, defense, aerospace, finance, and retail & services industries. 

For more information, visit: www.hanwhaphillyshipyard.com

About Delaware County Community College 

Delaware County Community College (DCCC), located in eastern Pennsylvania, is an accredited, public, two-year college that provides high-quality education, workforce development, and technical training. As a member of the Collegiate Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development (CCWED), DCCC delivers workforce training regionally and nationally for employers and industry partners. DCCC has been designated by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education since 2021. DCCC is a national leader in preparing the skilled workforce that supports the growth and competitiveness of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

About the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders, to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.

About the Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership

The Greater Philadelphia Growth Partnership is a new regional cross-sector, business-led effort to grow quality jobs and strengthen economic competitiveness in Southeastern Pennsylvania. It brings together business, civic, philanthropic, and public sector leaders from Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties to drive stronger economic growth and expand opportunity for regional residents. 

For more information, visit: www.greaterPHLgrowth.com