Hanwha Ocean, a key player in South Korea's maritime sector and part of the Hanwha Business Group, has expressed its eagerness to forge a strategic collaboration with Poland in the naval sector.
This announcement came to light during a press conference held at Hotel Belloto in Warsaw, where Hanwha Ocean unveiled an extensive array of proposals aimed at fostering a robust partnership.
At the forefront of Hanwha Ocean's offerings is the cutting-edge KSS-III Submarine, a sea-proven vessel that the company aims to present to the Polish Navy for their Orka Project. Vice President Sung Kyun Jeong, Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship International Business, emphasized the readiness to provide one of the world's best submarines, the 3,600-ton class KSS-III, which is currently in active service with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. The deployment of this advanced submarine is seen as a strategic move to enhance the security of the Baltic Sea, contributing to the deterrence capabilities of Poland.
Beyond the provision of submarines, Hanwha Ocean envisions a comprehensive collaboration that includes the establishment of a strong industrial partnership with Poland. This partnership is expected to bring economic and industrial benefits to the country.
In addition to supplying state-of-the-art submarines, the company proposes comprehensive training programs for the Polish Navy, covering basic submarine courses, equipment operation training, tactical training with simulators, and onboard training at sea.
The collaboration extends to the Korean Navy's support for sea trials and on-the-job training, along with sharing valuable submarine operation and maintenance know-how.
To further strengthen Poland's self-sufficiency in maintaining its submarine fleet, Hanwha Ocean plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Center within the country. This center will not only provide technical support through an on-site team but also ensure the timely delivery of spare parts, manage obsolescence, and offer extensive MRO knowledge, enabling Poland to independently sustain its submarine fleet efficiently.
The collaboration between Hanwha Ocean and Poland goes beyond military endeavors. The proposal encompasses partnerships in commercial vessels and offshore projects, showcasing Hanwha Ocean's expertise in diverse maritime domains. The company expresses a keen interest in exploring opportunities in renewable energy and engaging in research and development with Polish institutes and universities.
Emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this collaboration, Hanwha Ocean aims to contribute to the growth and prosperity of both nations. The proposal is designed to stimulate local small and medium-sized enterprises, create jobs, and foster reciprocal technology development. By offering a holistic approach to industrial cooperation, Hanwha Ocean seeks to establish itself as a long-term partner, fostering enduring ties between South Korea and Poland.
