Hanwha Ocean, Ontario Shipyards ink MOU to boost naval programs in Canada

Hanwha Ocean and Ontario Shipyards have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate the return of large-scale shipbuilding in Ontario and to strengthen Canada’s ability to deliver future naval programs.

Under the bilateral MOU, Hanwha Ocean will provide structured technical and operational support to Ontario Shipyards to strengthen production readiness and shipyard performance.

The cooperation will focus on:

• design and engineering
• production planning and construction sequencing
• quality management systems
• advanced shipyard processes and smart-yard best practices

These measures are intended to accelerate the re-establishment of large-scale vessel construction capability in Ontario, enhance production efficiency, and support long-term naval industrial readiness.

As part of this cooperation, Hanwha Ocean will provide support to the design and construction of a Training and Recruitment vessel that Ontario Shipyards will begin building in 2026.

Subject to the award of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), Hanwha Ocean intends to pursue further strategic investment in Ontario, including the establishment of a dedicated shipbuilding training centre and expanded industrial cooperation with Ontario-based suppliers.

In parallel, Hanwha Ocean, Ontario Shipyards, and Mohawk College have entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) to establish an embedded shipbuilding training hub at Ontario Shipyards’ Hamilton facility, aligned with the sector’s long-term workforce requirements.

The collaboration will focus on:

• establishing an integrated training hub embedded within Ontario Shipyards’ Hamilton Shipyard;
• developing industry-led credentials and specialized shipbuilding certifications;
• supporting apprenticeship and co-op pathways aligned with production requirements;
• exploring applied research in automation, robotics, and digital manufacturing.

Under this framework, Mohawk College will lead academic programming across skilled trades and technology disciplines, including welding, electrical, millwright, marine mechanics, robotics, logistics, and non-destructive evaluation.

Meanwhile, Ontario Shipyards will provide facilities and direct workforce integration aligned with its production and expansion plans. On the other hand, Hanwha Ocean will contribute technical advisory support and access to its global industrial networks to align training with international standards and operational best practices.

“Our objective is not simply to transfer expertise, but to embed Hanwha Ocean’s advanced shipbuilding processes and operational know-how directly into Ontario Shipyard operations. By doing so, we are strengthening Canada’s domestic industrial base, supporting high-quality Canadian jobs, and ensuring long-term workforce readiness. This partnership reflects our commitment to building sustainable submarine construction and sustainment capacity in Canada, fully aligned with the objectives of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project,” Hee-Chul Kim, President and CEO, Hanwha Ocean, said.

“This partnership activates Ontario’s industrial strength in direct support of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the future of the Royal Canadian Navy and creates meaningful long-term careers for Canadians,” Shaun Padulo, President and CEO, Ontario Shipyards, commented.

Earlier on, Hanwha Ocean signed a series of contracts in support of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). These include Canadian companies Algoma Steel, Telesat, MDA Space, Cohere, PV Labs, and Babcock Canada.