Hanwha Ocean and POSCO have joined forces to develop ultra-high strength (giga-class) steel for next-generation naval vessels.

Hanwha Ocean announced on Oct. 1 that it had signed a memorandum of understanding  with POSCO for the development of giga-class special steel to be applied to next-generation naval vessels at its Seoul office located in Jung-gu, Seoul. Based on this agreement, the two companies have agreed to cooperate in a total of six areas, including the development of steel materials and utilization technology, welding materials, welding technology, and hull application technology.

The giga-class steel for next-generation naval vessels is a rolled steel plate that has the special advantage of simultaneously securing structural safety, protection performance, and welding safety for maritime weapon systems such as combat ships and unmanned surface vessels. It can also significantly reduce the weight of ships and greatly improve ballistic performance. The two companies aim to complete research and development within the next 2-3 years.

In particular, since the hull of surface ships is exposed above the water, it is essential to reduce the weight of the superstructure and secure ballistic performance for critical areas to ensure the safety of the vessel. Giga-class steel is known to have about four times the strength of ordinary steel.

Kim Il-hong, executive director of special ship design at Hanwha Ocean, said, “Through this cooperation, we have begun full-scale preparations to enter the global advanced naval vessel market together with POSCO,” adding, “Through continuous collaboration between the two companies, we will become a ‘comprehensive solution provider for special ships’ that provides world-class naval vessels.”

Song Yeon-gyun, head of the POSCO Steel Solution Research Center, also emphasized, “We will promptly pursue the development of giga-class steel for next-generation naval vessels through close cooperation between the two companies,” and “We will take the lead in strengthening the global competitiveness of K-maritime defense and leading the future of Korea’s defense industry.”

Source:Business Korea