Deep Interest in Robot-Based Automated Production Technology and High-Efficiency Production Management System
Thailand Seeking to Strengthen Warship Construction Capabilities, Anticipates Technology Transfer for Frigate Project
The leadership of the Defense Committee of the Thai House of Representatives (Chairman Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn) visited Hanwha Ocean, which has a track record of exporting frigates to Thailand, on the 3rd to directly assess the shipbuilding capabilities.
The Chairman of the Defense Committee of the Thai House of Representatives (Wirot Lakanadisorn, seventh from the left) and his delegation visited the Hanwha Ocean Geoje plant to discuss the follow-up Thai frigate project. Photo by Hanwha Ocean
The Thai Defense Committee leadership showed great interest in the systematic operation of the entire shipbuilding process, from ship design to automated production technology using robots.
In particular, they highly praised Hanwha Ocean's ability to meet delivery schedules in domestic and international naval ship projects and the technology transfer plans intended for overseas projects.
The leadership mentioned the Thai frigate (HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej) project, one of Hanwha Ocean's representative export achievements, and expressed hope for active cooperation regarding the follow-up ship projects, which are key to strengthening the Thai Navy's capabilities.
Hanwha Ocean proposed measures to enhance shipbuilding capabilities in collaboration with local shipyards to help strengthen Thailand's naval shipbuilding capacity. The leadership, showing particular interest in localization and technology transfer during the shipbuilding stages, engaged in a lengthy Q&A session with Hanwha Ocean representatives.
During the shipyard tour, the leadership also met Thai apprentices receiving training at the Hanwha Ocean Technical Training Center, confirming the excellence of the educational programs provided by Hanwha Ocean.
Jung Seung-gyun, Head of Hanwha Ocean's Special Ship Overseas Business Division, stated, “Through the visit of the Thai House Defense Committee delegation, we shared Hanwha Ocean’s determination and vision to establish ourselves as a reliable partner for Thailand, and we will contribute to strengthening Thailand’s industrial capabilities and economic development through follow-up frigate orders.” He added, “Starting with cooperation with Thailand, Hanwha Ocean aims to contribute to enhancing naval power in key ASEAN allied countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam.”
Hanwha Ocean secured an order for a 3,600-ton frigate from Thailand in 2013 and successfully delivered it in 2018. Named ‘Bhumibol Adulyadej’ the following year, this frigate is currently regarded as the best warship in the Southeast Asian region. Bhumibol Adulyadej was the King of Thailand for 70 years and is revered as the Father of the Nation in his country.
Hanwha Ocean has been continuously striving to build mutual trust with Thailand, including participating in the ‘Thailand D&S (Defense & Security) 2023’ exhibition held locally last November.
The leadership also visited Hanwha Aerospace’s Changwon Plant No. 2 the previous day, toured the production site, and discussed overall defense cooperation, including the ongoing K200 armored vehicle supply project between the two countries. In August, Hanwha Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand Defense Industry (TDI), under the Thai Defense Technology Institute (DTI), for the supply of K200 armored vehicles.
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