POSCO has agreed to collaborate with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop materials for next-generation advanced naval vessels. POSCO plans to aggressively target the future high-tech defense industry materials market using its world-first developed high-manganese steel.

POSCO and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on May 28 that they signed a memorandum of understanding for the development and practical application of new materials for future advanced naval vessels at the Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition 2025 held at BEXCO in Busan.

Through this agreement, both companies will conduct joint research on applying high-manganese steel to ship hulls. They plan to lead the future defense industry paradigm by expanding the application of high-manganese steel, which has been used only for liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel tanks.

High-manganese steel is a non-magnetic steel material that can minimize the demagnetization process required in existing naval vessels. This advantage can minimize damage from sea mines, which react to magnetism, thereby increasing the survivability of naval vessels. High-manganese steel also has 10% higher strength compared to regular ship-grade steel, making the hull less susceptible to external impacts or explosions, while also enabling hull weight reduction.

Both companies expect this agreement to transform the paradigm of domestic naval vessel construction and enhance competitiveness in the global marine defense industry market. POSCO also plans to actively promote the packaging of marine defense steel materials and expand the application of high-manganese steel to naval vessel hulls.

MADEX 2025, where this agreement was signed, is the largest domestic marine defense exhibition with participation from various organizations and companies, including the Navy, Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and domestic and international shipbuilding and defense companies. During the event, POSCO will also present two papers at the Naval Technology Weapon System Seminar: “Current Status of New Material Development for Improving Naval Vessel Survivability” and “Non-magnetic High-manganese Steel as Hull Material for Special Purpose Vessels.”

A POSCO official stated, “Based on our world-class steel technology and material development experience, we have developed various new materials including non-magnetic high-manganese steel.” He added, “Through this collaboration, we will achieve tangible results such as improving the technological competitiveness of next-generation naval vessels and continue to develop innovative new materials for the revival of the national defense industry.”

Source:Business Korea