- Hanwha Strengthens U.S. Maritime Presence After $100M Acquisition.
- Company Commits $5 Billion to Shipyard Expansion and Workforce Development.
- Largest U.S. Commercial Vessel Order in Two Decades Placed at Philly Shipyard.
Hanwha Defence USA has made a significant move by appointing retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Tom Anderson as the President of U.S. Shipbuilding. With over thirty years of naval experience under his belt, Anderson is set to play a crucial role in the company’s expanding American maritime division. Previously, he held the position of Program Executive Officer for Ships and served as the Acting Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). In his new position, he’ll be responsible for overseeing U.S. shipbuilding programs and shipyard operations, crafting future shipbuilding strategies, and enhancing the infrastructure and workforce to support Hanwha’s growth in the U.S, reports gCaptain.
Leadership Praised for Experience and Innovation
“Tom has had a distinguished and impactful naval career, and we are delighted to bring his deep industry expertise, creative thinking, and demonstrated leadership to Hanwha,” said Mike Smith, President and CEO of Hanwha Defence USA. “This is a pivotal time for the Navy and U.S. shipbuilding writ large.”
This appointment comes at a pivotal time as the company bolsters its U.S. maritime presence, especially following the $100 million acquisition of Philly Shipyard in December 2024. Now operating as Hanwha Philly Shipyard, this facility is key to Hanwha’s strategy to expand and modernise American shipbuilding capabilities.
Strengthening Global and U.S. Maritime Capacity
“Hanwha’s global defence strategy is focused on our evolution into a multi-domestic company that brings leading technology, deeper partnerships and sovereign capacity to each of the markets we serve,” said Michael Coulter, Hanwha Global Defence President and CEO.
This initiative aligns with South Korea’s recently launched “Make America Shipbuilding Great Again” campaign, a $150 billion partnership aimed at establishing new shipyards, training personnel, and supporting U.S. Navy ship maintenance programs.
Major Investments in U.S. Shipyard Infrastructure
Hanwha is making significant infrastructure upgrades at its Philadelphia facility, incorporating new technologies, workforce development programs, and smart systems designed to create thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs in the U.S. maritime sector.
The company has pledged $5 billion to boost production capacity by adding new docks and quays, and they are currently reviewing plans for a new block assembly facility.
Record Commercial Vessel Order Strengthens U.S. Production
In August, Hanwha’s U.S. shipping subsidiary placed a landmark order for 10 medium-range oil and chemical tankers at the Philadelphia shipyard, marking the largest U.S. commercial vessel order in over twenty years. The first vessel is anticipated to be delivered by early 2029.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: gCaptain
