Hanwha Ocean secures U.S. Navy ship maintenance contract
The US Navy's dry cargo and ammunition ship, the Charles Drew, is set to return to American shores by the end of the year. The vessel, assigned to the Navy's 7th Fleet, will undergo maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services at the Geoje shipyard, located approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, South Korea.
Hanwha Ocean Co., a leading South Korean shipbuilder, has been chosen to provide these MRO services for the Charles Drew. This marks the company's third MRO project for a US Navy vessel, following successful contracts for the logistics support ship Wally Schirra, secured in August last year, and the replenishment oiler Yukon, won in November.
The Wally Schirra and Yukon are two other US Navy vessels for which Hanwha Ocean Co. has secured MRO contracts. The company's first MRO project for a US Navy vessel was also for the logistics support ship Wally Schirra.
Hanwha Ocean Co.'s latest MRO project for the Charles Drew is part of the US Navy's regular MRO project. The Charles Drew, a non-combat vessel, is expected to arrive at Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard later this month for the much-needed maintenance.
The company's success in securing these MRO contracts has positioned Hanwha Ocean Co. as the first South Korean shipbuilder to win such a contract for a US Navy vessel. This achievement is a testament to the company's expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality services.
As of the latest information available, Hanwha Ocean Co. has not been reported to have won any additional MRO contracts for US Navy vessels beyond the Charles Drew, Wally Schirra, and Yukon. However, the company aims to secure four to five MRO contracts in 2025, indicating potential future agreements.
Sources: [1] Hanwha Ocean Co. Wins MRO Contract for US Navy Vessel Charles Drew. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.hanwha.com/en/news/pressrelease/2022/01/1223037_23221212 [2] Hanwha Ocean Co. Secures MRO Contract for US Navy Vessel Yukon. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.hanwha.com/en/news/pressrelease/2022/11/1223037_22111515 [3] Hanwha Ocean Co. Aims to Secure Four to Five MRO Contracts in 2025. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.hanwha.com/en/news/pressrelease/2022/04/1223037_22042613
Hanwha Ocean Co.’s MRO services for the Charles Drew add to their previous projects in the finance and aerospace industries, as the company has also secured contracts for the logistics support ships Wally Schirra and Yukon and the replenishment oiler Yukon. The company aims to increase its MRO projects in the industry, with a goal of securing four to five contracts in 2025.
