Hanwha Ocean Wins Contract for South Korean Navy Logistics Support Ship... Worth 460 Billion KRW

Recognized for Cutting-Edge Drying Capabilities
Undertaking Drying with a Spirit of National Service

Hanwha Ocean announced on the 26th that it has been selected as the preferred bidder for the Republic of Korea Navy's second AOE-II class combat support ship construction project.

Commissioned by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, this project is valued at approximately 460.1 billion KRW, and Hanwha Ocean secured the contract through a sole bid.

Hanwha Ocean plans to sign the contract in August and deliver the combat support ship by December 2028 after construction and sea trials. The AOE-II class combat support ship performs missions such as supplying ammunition, cargo, and fuel to operational vessels at sea and is capable of high-speed maneuvering.

Perspective view of the second Hanwha Ocean Naval Support Ship (AOE-II), selected as the preferred negotiation candidate through a sole bid [Photo by Hanwha Ocean]

The combat support ship to be constructed this time will incorporate improvements based on the lead ship delivered in 2018, enhancing maneuvering speed and loading capacity compared to the Cheonji-class (AOE-I). This is expected to improve the operational sustainability of the Republic of Korea Navy.

A Hanwha Ocean official stated, "We overcame high technical difficulties and a demanding construction process to succeed in the bid," adding, "We will approach this project with a spirit of serving the nation’s defense and the safety of its people."

Hanwha Ocean was internationally recognized for its capabilities by exporting combat support ships to the British Royal Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy in 2015.