Hanwha Ocean is pursuing large-scale investments in promising artificial intelligence, robotics, and defense startups, primarily in the United States.
The shipbuilder aims to identify companies that can create strategic synergies with its future businesses, with priority expected on productivity innovation at its Philadelphia shipyard for vessel and warship construction.
According to industry sources on the 23rd, Hanwha Ocean plans to commit $100 million (approximately 144.3 billion won) next month to a private equity fund managed by affiliate Hanwha Asset Management. This marks Hanwha Ocean's first overseas technology investment through a Hanwha Asset Management fund.
Other Hanwha Group affiliates are also considering participation in the fund launching next month, which could increase its total size. This reflects the group's commitment to securing future growth drivers and strengthening U.S. shipbuilding and defense investment partnerships.
The "Hanwha-8090 Nexus Growth" fund will primarily invest in global innovative technology startups centered in the United States. Using a fund-of-funds structure, it will deploy capital into promising companies identified by specialized funds with deep expertise in local technology ecosystems.
"The U.S. AI and robotics sectors are attracting the most active capital flows globally," a Hanwha Ocean official said. "We are particularly focused on these areas as their applications in shipbuilding processes and productivity enhancement are expanding."
The official added, "This fund commitment is part of our efforts to secure promising global companies early as business partners."
The company explained that since Hanwha Ocean has already entered and is expanding in the U.S. market, technology collaboration with local startups is a natural step toward business advancement requiring careful preparation.
In late 2024, Hanwha Ocean acquired Philadelphia's Philly Shipyard with Hanwha Systems for $100 million and has been aggressively expanding local operations, including entering the U.S. Navy ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) market.
Hanwha plans to actively utilize AI and robotics technologies to automate Philly Shipyard's aging facilities, with sustained mid-to-long-term investments reaching $5 billion. This increases the likelihood that the fund's portfolio could lead to direct investments and on-site applications.
Meanwhile, according to foreign media reports, Austal, the Australian shipbuilding and defense company in which Hanwha Group holds the largest stake, recently secured an Australian special vessel contract worth approximately 4 trillion won. Hanwha holds a 19.9% stake in Austal through Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Aerospace, positioning the group for accelerated expansion in shipbuilding and defense.