Hanwha Ocean has announced its successful bid to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the USNS Wally Schirra, a 40,000-ton U.S. Navy dry cargo and ammunition ship. This project marks the first time a Korean shipbuilder will provide MRO services for the U.S. Navy.

The ship is undergoing maintenance and inspection at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard, with additional onshore maintenance work being conducted using the shipyard’s floating facilities. The three-month project is expected to expand Hanwha Ocean’s global defense activities by showcasing its advanced technology and maintenance infrastructure to the U.S. Navy.

“With the global naval vessels MRO market size projected to exceed $60 billion annually, this U.S. Navy maintenance project represents a stepping stone to a significant leap forward,” said a spokesperson for Hanwha Ocean. “We have meticulously prepared and refined our MRO services to build trust with the U.S. Navy. We will also work closely with local small and medium-sized enterprises to support the maintenance industry in South Korea.”

USNS Wally Schirra enters Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard for maintenance

The MRO contract requires a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) certification, which Hanwha Ocean earned in July 2024. The certification, granted by the U.S. Navy, validates the quality of Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding and MRO capabilities. Alongside the recent acquisition of Philly Shipyard, a leading U.S. shipbuilder in Philadelphia, this MRO project will serve as a pilot initiative in Asia, accelerating Hanwha Ocean’s entry into the U.S. naval shipbuilding market.

Hanwha Ocean

Hanwha Ocean is a leading global company with extensive expertise and experience in the shipbuilding and offshore industry. Boasting the world’s most competitive LNG carriers built with eco-friendly and highly efficient technology, the company has continuously pioneered new businesses since 1973, producing a vast range of vessels, including commercial ships, drillships, and specialty ships. Hanwha Ocean will be at the forefront of pioneering advanced marine solutions for decarbonization and further expand Hanwha’s green energy ecosystem to create positive, sustainable change throughout the world.