A South Korean shipyard has completed a major maintenance project on a US Navy supply ship, marking a significant first step in the US military’s strategy to expand ship repair and maintenance capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. This is particularly important as the US aims to enhance its presence and operational readiness in this strategically vital area, reports Business Insider.
Large Scale Contract
Hanwha Ocean, a South Korean shipbuilder, has completed a seven-month repair project on the USNS Wally Schirra, a U.S. Military Sealift Command dry cargo ship.
This is the first time a South Korean shipyard has won a large-scale overhaul contract for this type of U.S. military vessel.
Rear Admiral Neil Koprowski of the U.S. Naval Forces Korea called it a “landmark achievement,” emphasizing that in-theater maintenance saves time and money while improving operational readiness.
Improving Shipbuilding
The USNS Wally Schirra is a vital supply ship for the US Navy. Hanwha Ocean’s engineers successfully replaced its damaged rudder, even without blueprints, demonstrating their advanced capabilities.
This repair project coincides with discussions in Washington about addressing issues in American shipbuilding, with some suggesting South Korea and other Pacific allies could offer solutions. South Korea has the world’s second-largest shipbuilding industry and is seen as a model for improving US shipbuilding.
A recent congressional hearing explored lessons the US could learn from South Korean and Japanese shipbuilders, focusing on worker training, management, and construction processes. Naval analyst Ronald O’Rourke highlighted South Korea’s efficient ship designs, which emphasize larger sections and simpler piping to reduce labor.
O’Rourke emphasized that South Korea and Japan exemplify world-class shipbuilding practices. US Navy leadership has also praised these allies for their shipbuilding efficiency, especially their use of digitization and real-time monitoring.
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Source: Business Insider
