Hanwha Ocean has been selected as the preferred bidder to construct South Korea’s next-generation icebreaking research vessel, signaling a major leap in the nation’s capabilities in Arctic and polar marine science, reports Business Korea.
This strategic project aims to expand South Korea’s presence in polar research and elevate its contributions to global scientific exploration in extreme environments.
South Korea’s New Arctic Ambition
The new vessel will feature an ice-reinforced hull designed to operate in harsh Arctic conditions. It will be outfitted with state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced navigation systems, and support facilities for multidisciplinary research. Scientists onboard will be able to conduct studies in climate science, marine biology, glaciology, and polar logistics, making the vessel a floating hub for international collaboration and data gathering in the most remote areas on Earth.
For Hanwha Ocean, this project highlights its growing specialization in high-value, technically complex vessels. As part of the broader Hanwha Group’s push into advanced shipbuilding, the contract reflects both industrial capability and strategic alignment with South Korea’s ambitions in science and environmental diplomacy. The icebreaker is expected to enhance the country’s role in global polar research networks while fostering technological innovation and engineering excellence at home.
Construction of the vessel is expected to begin in the coming months, with completion and delivery anticipated in the second half of 2027. Once deployed, the ship will join a select group of global research icebreakers, contributing to vital studies on polar climate change, ocean systems, and ecosystem dynamics.
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Source: Business Korea
