British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks visited Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard on the 27th to tour the Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine construction site and review the status of Korea-UK cooperation.
Hanwha Ocean and UK-based Babcock are currently participating together in Canada's CPSP (Canadian Patrol Submarine Project) based on their strategic partnership. Ambassador Crooks visited Hanwha Ocean to assess cooperation between the two companies and inspect production facilities firsthand.
During the visit, Ambassador Crooks observed submarine block manufacturing sites, automated equipment, and smart yard-based production systems. He showed particular interest in touring the Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine currently under construction.
The Jangbogo-III Batch-II that Hanwha Ocean has proposed for the Canadian submarine project is scheduled to be equipped with British-made torpedo launch tubes, weapons control systems, and submarine CO2 scrubbers. The ambassador's visit provided an opportunity to share progress updates and coordination matters.
The cooperation model between Hanwha Ocean and Babcock is expected to have a positive impact on understanding and reflecting Canada's requirements. Babcock Canada, which signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with Hanwha Ocean in 2023, currently handles MRO and naval support services for the Royal Canadian Navy. This Korea-UK cooperation framework is seen as competitive in terms of strengthening the industrial base through localization and ensuring long-term submarine operational reliability—both priorities for the Canadian government.
Ambassador Crooks stated, "The strategic partnership between companies of both countries will serve as an important foundation for expanding cooperation across various defense sectors in the future."
Jeong Seung-kyun, Vice President of Hanwha Ocean's Special Ship Overseas Business Division, said, "The cooperative structure combining the technological capabilities and naval project experience of both Hanwha Ocean and Babcock will provide a practical and sustainable solution for the Canadian submarine project." He added, "We will do our best to contribute not only to strengthening the Royal Canadian Navy's capabilities through the CPSP project but also to developing the local industrial ecosystem."