Hanwha Shipping has placed an unprecedented order for 10 medium-range (MR) oil and chemical tankers at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. The first of these vessels is expected to be delivered by early 2029. This marks the largest U.S. commercial ship order in more than two decades and sets a new record for the highest-value commercial order ever received by an American shipyard.
Alongside the tanker order, the company also confirmed an option for a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, doubling its LNG newbuild program and pushing the U.S. LNG carrier orderbook to levels not seen since the 1970s.
Strengthening the Jones Act Fleet
The MR tankers will play a critical role in the Jones Act fleet, which requires vessels carrying goods between U.S. ports to be built in America and operated by U.S. crews. These new additions will strengthen domestic energy logistics by transporting crude oil, refined products, and chemicals across the nation.
Hanwha emphasized that this order was made possible thanks to major investments in the Philadelphia yard, which will not only build these ships but also create thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs and help restore U.S. leadership in commercial shipbuilding.
$5 Billion Investment in Philadelphia
Coinciding with the order, Hanwha announced a $5 billion infrastructure investment plan for the Philadelphia yard. The funding will add new docks, quays, and block assembly facilities, enabling the yard to dramatically increase its production capacity from fewer than two ships per year to as many as 20.
This expansion will also incorporate modern shipbuilding technologies, automation, and workforce training programs, establishing the shipyard as a globally competitive facility capable of handling large-scale and complex projects.
Joint U.S.–Korea LNG Carrier Construction
The LNG carriers will be built under a joint-build model between Hanwha Ocean in South Korea and Hanwha Philly Shipyard in the United States. This collaboration allows the vessels to combine advanced Korean design and expertise with American construction standards and oversight.
The first LNG carrier is scheduled for delivery in January 2028, followed by the second in February 2028. These vessels will play a strategic role in supporting U.S. energy exports, particularly in delivering LNG to international allies and partners.
The orders come less than a year after Hanwha acquired Philly Shipyard, injecting new energy and direction into a facility that has historically struggled with production gaps. By committing to long-term projects such as MR tankers, LNG carriers, and future naval modules, Hanwha aims to restore America’s position in high-value shipbuilding while reinforcing U.S.–Korea industrial cooperation.
The expansion reflects not just a commercial success, but also a strategic partnership that enhances energy security, defense readiness, and the broader U.S. maritime industrial base.
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Source: Hanwha Shipping
