Hanwha Ocean announced on Dec. 4 that the chairman and members of the Thai House Defense Committee visited Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje plant on Dec. 3 to inspect the company’s shipbuilding capabilities. This visit underscores the ongoing collaboration between Hanwha Ocean and Thailand, particularly in the realm of naval defense.

Hanwha Ocean, a prominent South Korean shipbuilding company, has a notable history of exporting frigates to Thailand. In 2018, the company successfully delivered a 3,600-ton frigate named “Bhumibol Adulyadej,” which is currently regarded as the best warship in Southeast Asia. This achievement has solidified Hanwha Ocean’s reputation as a reliable partner in the defense industry.

During the visit, the Thai Defense Committee showed great interest in the systematic operation of Hanwha Ocean’s entire shipbuilding process, from ship design to automated production technology using robots. The delegation highly evaluated the company’s capability to meet delivery schedules in both domestic and international naval ship projects and its technology transfer plans for overseas projects.

The delegation expressed their hope for active cooperation with Hanwha Ocean in relation to the follow-up frigate project, which is a key part of strengthening the Thai Navy’s power. Hanwha Ocean proposed measures to enhance the shipbuilding capabilities of local shipyards in Thailand to support the strengthening of the country’s naval shipbuilding capabilities.

Jung Seung-kyun, head of Hanwha Ocean’s Special Ship Overseas Business Division, emphasized the company’s vision to be a reliable partner for Thailand. He stated, “Through this visit by the Thai House Defense Committee delegation, we shared Hanwha Ocean’s will and vision to establish itself as a reliable partner for Thailand. We will contribute to strengthening Thailand’s industrial capabilities and economic development through the follow-up frigate orders.”

This visit follows Hanwha Ocean’s participation in the Thailand D&S (Defense & Security) 2023 exhibition held in November 2022, where the company showcased its latest technologies and products. The ongoing efforts to build mutual trust and cooperation between Hanwha Ocean and Thailand highlight the strategic importance of their partnership in enhancing Thailand’s naval capabilities.

Source: Businesskorea