Strengthening Long-term Maritime Security Cooperation
Building on Experience from Thai Frigate Exports
Hanwha Ocean announced on the 11th that it discussed “sustainable maritime security cooperation” based on mutual trust with the Thai government, with which it has established ties through the export of frigates.
On the 10th, at Hanwha Ocean's Seoul office, from the left, Tanee Sangrat, Ambassador of Thailand to Korea, and Eo Seongcheol, President of Hanwha Ocean's Special Ship Business Division, are taking a commemorative photo after concluding a cooperation meeting. Photo by Hanwha Ocean
President Uh Seong-cheol of the Special Ship Business Division and company officials met the day before with Tanee Sangrat, the Thai Ambassador to Korea, and his delegation to engage in discussions seeking close cooperation for the development of maritime security and the shipbuilding industry in the country.
Ambassador Tanee, who took office in April last year, visited Hanwha Ocean for the first official exchange. Hanwha Ocean presented a long-term vision to Ambassador Tanee to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand’s shipbuilding industry and expand collaboration with local shipyards. Ambassador Tanee also showed deep interest in Hanwha Ocean’s warship construction technology, localization strategy, and especially the possibility of technology transfer.
On that day, Ambassador Tanee also communicated via video call with Thai trainees undergoing training at Hanwha Ocean’s technical training center in Geoje.
Ambassador Tanee emphasized, “I want to elevate economic cooperation between the two countries by integrating defense industry cooperation for the modernization of the Royal Thai Navy and Hanwha Ocean’s outstanding shipbuilding technology into Thailand’s industry,” adding, “These efforts will contribute to strengthening Thailand’s maritime security.” Referring to Hanwha Ocean’s flagship export case, the Thai frigate, he shared his sentiment, saying, “I feel great pride every time I see this frigate protecting the Thai seas.”
President Uh said, “This visit was a valuable opportunity to share Hanwha Ocean’s will and vision as a reliable partner supporting Thailand’s maritime security,” and added, “We will continue to enhance Thailand’s industrial capabilities and contribute to economic growth through warship exports and collaboration.”
Previously, Hanwha Ocean secured an order for one 3,700-ton-class frigate from Thailand in 2013 and successfully delivered it in 2018. The Thai government named the ship after the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who ascended the throne in 1946 and reigned for 70 years and 4 months until his passing at the age of 89 in 2016, earning the respect of the Thai people as the “Father of the Nation.”
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