- Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Compete for Poland’s Submarine Contract.
- Polish Naval Academy Commandant Reviews HD Hyundai’s Submarine Technologies.
- Orka Project Boosts Korea-Poland Naval and Industrial Cooperation for the Future.
Two South Korean shipbuilders owned by conglomerates Hanwha Group and HD Hyundai are upping their game in a bid to secure the country’s biggest submarine procurement contract worth $2.7 billion from Poland. The contract is part of Poland’s Orka project that requires the country to buy three next-generation diesel-electric powered submarines, reports The Korea Herald.
Polish Naval Academy Commandant Tours HD Hyundai Shipyard
Commandant of the Polish Naval Academy, Tomasz Szubrycht, viewed HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ submarine range and latest technologies when he visited its Ulsan shipyard during his visit. The Polish Navy officials saw two 3,000-ton class and one 1,800-ton class submarinesHD Hyundai had offered.
In detail, HD Hyundai presented with full presentations of their submarine building facilities, manufacturing equipment as well as maintenance, repair and operation capabilities. Such a project would develop talent resources in both countries and assist both countries to advance toward innovation, they emphasized. According to Szubrychtremarks after the visit, she is impressed by the Korean shipbuilder’s excellent capacity to build ships and highly innovative technology.
Strengthening Security
“HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is ready to play an important role in Poland’s security and this can be expanded to various sectors beyond the submarine procurement project,” said Joo Won-ho, head of the special ship business unit at HD HHI.
Hanwha Ocean’s Efforts
In parallel, Szubrycht visited the Geoje shipyard of Hanwha Ocean to conduct an inspection of submarine building operations, technological education facilities, and research and development centers. The Hanwha officials outlined plans for the training of Polish Navy submarine crew members and maintenance personnel with a view to stable, long-term submarine operation for Poland.
Hanwha Ocean also presented potential partnership opportunities for joint research and development with Poland. According to Szubrycht, Hanwha’s submarine training road map and advanced submarine technologies impressed me greatly. Szubrycht added that the visit is a very important step for further cooperation in maritime development.
Enhancing Korea-Poland Cooperation
“The Orka project is not just a submarine acquisition, but will serve as a chance to further strengthen Korea-Poland’s economic and industrial cooperation as well as the advancement of the two countries’ naval power in the long term,” said a Hanwha Ocean official.
Hanwha Ocean recently signed a cooperation deal with Polish defense firm WB Group to strengthen their competitive position in the final stage of the Orka project’s selection process, among other 11 global shipbuilders that are German, French, Swedish, Spanish, and South Korean.
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Source: The Korea Herald
