South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean recently hosted a delegation from British Columbia (BC), Canada, to explore cooperation on submarine maintenance infrastructure, partnerships with local companies, and technology transfer. The visit highlights growing public-private collaboration between South Korea and Canada, especially amid increasing momentum around Canada’s upcoming submarine procurement project, valued at over KRW 30 trillion (approximately CAD 30 billion).
Jeong Seung-gyun, Executive Vice President and Head of Hanwha Ocean’s Overseas Special Ship Division, announced on LinkedIn that the company invited the BC delegation—including Choi Byung-ha, Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia-Pacific Political and Trade Affairs—to its Seoul headquarters on June 10.
During the meeting, the two parties discussed collaboration on Canada’s submarine program. They considered building local maintenance hubs, conducting joint R&D, and partnering with BC-based companies, including those owned by Indigenous groups. The goal is to promote technology transfer, create high-quality jobs, and contribute to the Canadian economy through broad-based cooperation.
Following the meeting, EVP Jeong stated, “We are proud to support the Canadian Navy’s modernization program. Hanwha Ocean is committed to establishing a sustainable and strategic defense partnership, not merely supplying platforms.”
Canada’s submarine program aims to replace its aging Victoria-class diesel-electric submarines, acquired in the late 1990s. The project seeks to acquire up to 12 new submarines, making it one of the largest international submarine contracts in recent years. Major contenders include South Korea, Japan, Germany, and France.
Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries have proposed their Jangbogo-III Batch-II (KSS-III) submarines. These are the world’s first to feature both lithium-ion batteries and an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system. With a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles and submerged endurance of over three weeks, they are considered well-suited to Canada’s extensive coastline and long-range operational requirements.
In March, the two Korean firms submitted a formal proposal to the Canadian federal government, offering to deliver four submarines by 2035 and establish dedicated maintenance facilities. The South Korean government has also expressed support. During the G7 summit, President Lee Jae-myung met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on June 17 and reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to the project.
