Confirmed Hanwha Ocean's Shipbuilding Capabilities During Visit to Geoje Plant on the 25th
Hanwha Ocean Proposes Partnership for Thailand's Maritime Security and Shipbuilding Industry Development
On June 25, 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 Hanwha Ocean Geoje plant.
On the 25th, the Thai Navy delegation visiting Hanwha Ocean Geoje plant is taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Hanwha Ocean
The Thai Navy delegation showed great interest in detailed explanations regarding Hanwha Ocean's shipbuilding technology, localization strategies, and technology transfer.
Hanwha Ocean and the Royal Thai Navy, who have built a strong relationship of trust since the successful delivery of the frigate HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2018, pledged to actively cooperate in the upcoming frigate project currently being pursued by the Royal Thai Navy during this visit.
Thailand is currently pursuing an additional frigate acquisition project to strengthen its naval surface fleet capabilities.
Hanwha Ocean successfully delivered the Royal Thai Navy's latest frigate, HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, in 2018. Thailand named this frigate after the former king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, who is revered as the father of the nation among the Thai people, and is currently operating it as the flagship of the navy.
Rear Admiral Chaksawat Saiwong of the Royal Thai Navy stated, "I felt a great sense of pride seeing HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej, recognized as the most powerful warship among neighboring countries, sailing vigorously during the Royal Thai Navy fleet maneuver exercise conducted in December last year."
Hanwha Ocean plans to provide the best platform that reflects the Royal Thai Navy's operational requirements for the follow-up frigate project in Thailand as well.
A Hanwha Ocean representative said, "We will propose a vessel that can make a substantial contribution to Thailand's maritime security and the enhancement of the navy's capabilities as a multipurpose operational platform," adding, "It is a model equipped with all the essential elements for future warfare, including state-of-the-art sensors, armaments, and stealth capabilities."
On the 25th, the Thai Navy delegation visiting Hanwha Ocean Geoje Plant is listening to an explanation from a representative of Hanwha Ocean Special Ship Division.
Hanwha Ocean also presented a roadmap to expand comprehensive cooperation 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.
Another Hanwha Ocean representative who attended the event said, "Thailand is a country that sent many troops to the Korean War (the 6·25 War) and helped protect the peace of the Republic of Korea," adding, "It is even more meaningful that you visited the Geoje plant on June 25," and "As a reliable partner, we will contribute to strengthening the Royal Thai Navy's capabilities, as well as enhancing the shipbuilding industry's capabilities and economic development, through the successful acquisition of follow-up frigate contracts."
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