Hanwha Ocean Poised to Secure Additional Frigate Order from Thailand

Thai Navy Officials Visit Korea
"Proud of Hanwha Ocean-Built Frigate"

Thailand is reaching out to Hanwha Ocean ahead of placing an order for its second frigate. The likelihood of additional frigate acquisitions is increasing as senior officials from the Royal Thai Navy visited Hanwha Ocean's Geoje shipyard and pledged to strengthen cooperation.

According to Hanwha Ocean on June 26, a delegation of seven members from the Royal Thai Navy, including Rear Admiral Chaksawat Saiwong, Director of Policy and Planning at the Royal Thai Navy Headquarters, who are visiting Korea at the invitation of the Republic of Korea Navy, visited the Geoje shipyard the previous day.

The Thai Navy delegation reportedly showed great interest in Hanwha Ocean's shipbuilding technology, localization strategies, and technology transfer initiatives. On that day, Hanwha Ocean also presented a roadmap to expand cooperation in all areas as a long-term partner for the development of the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities and the shipbuilding industry, including technology transfer, collaboration with local shipyards, and workforce training. Hanwha Ocean plans to provide the best platform tailored to the Royal Thai Navy's operational requirements for the follow-up frigate project in Thailand.

Previously, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hanwha Ocean's predecessor, won an order from Thailand in 2013 to build a 3,700-ton class frigate, which was successfully delivered in 2018. The frigate, named HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej after the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, is regarded as the Royal Thai Navy's premier strategic asset, and the Thai government is said to be highly satisfied with it. As a result, the Thai parliament is currently reviewing the budget for the construction of a "second Bhumibol Adulyadej-class frigate." The Thai government reportedly wishes for Hanwha Ocean to secure the contract for this new frigate as well, following the success of the Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Rear Admiral Chaksawat Saiwong of the Royal Thai Navy stated, "I felt a sense of pride watching the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, recognized as the most powerful warship among neighboring countries, sail powerfully during the Royal Thai Navy fleet maneuver exercises conducted in December last year."

A Hanwha Ocean representative said, "We intend to propose a vessel that can make a tangible contribution to Thailand's maritime security and the enhancement of the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities as a multi-mission operational platform," adding, "It is a model equipped with all the essential elements for future warfare, including cutting-edge sensors, armaments, and stealth capabilities."