South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean and the steel giant POSCO have reached a significant agreement to collaborate on the development of advanced giga-class steel, designed specifically for next-generation naval vessels. This innovative material aims to provide enhanced strength and durability, crucial for military applications.
Hanwha Ocean, which specializes in manufacturing submarines and destroyers for the Republic of Korea Navy as well as international clients, has partnered with POSCO, one of the largest steel producers globally. This collaboration is set to cover various aspects, including steel production techniques, welding methodologies, and applications in ship hull construction. The memorandum of understanding indicates a two to three-year timeline for the completion of research and development efforts.
The introduction of giga-class steel, a material reported to be four times stronger than traditional shipbuilding steel, promises to significantly reduce the weight of naval vessels while simultaneously improving their resilience. This improvement is expected to enhance the survivability and stability of both manned and unmanned ships, reflecting a pivotal advancement in naval engineering.
During the signing ceremony, Hanwha Ocean’s executive Kim Il-hong emphasized that this partnership would elevate the company’s capabilities in advanced naval design. POSCO’s Song Yeon-kyun echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration would enhance South Korea’s overall competitiveness in the global shipbuilding market.
The development of giga-class steel arises amid a broader movement to upgrade naval manufacturing materials and infrastructure worldwide. In the United States, Austal USA is progressing with the construction of a new facility aimed at producing submarine modules for Columbia- and Virginia-class submarines. Meanwhile, in Japan, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding has launched a hydrogen dual-fuel tugboat made from green steel sourced from JFE Steel, indicating a shift toward environmentally friendly practices.
South Korea is actively expanding its naval capabilities as well, with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries planning to produce up to five Aegis destroyers each year for the U.S. Navy. Domestically, the KDDX destroyer program is in full swing, with six ships anticipated for delivery by 2030. This concerted effort reflects the nation’s commitment to enhancing its maritime defense and shipbuilding prowess.
