Hanwha Ocean partners with major US naval design firm to strengthen naval shipbuilding

April 22, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Hanwha Ocean signed a memorandum of understanding with Leidos’ Gibbs & Cox to strengthen naval shipbuilding capabilities for the United States and its allies.

Gibbs & Cox has played a central role in shaping the modern US fleet, having contributed to the design of more than 70 percent of US Navy surface combatants since World War II.

Under the partnership, the companies will focus on adapting Hanwha Ocean’s ship designs to meet stringent US Navy standards and jointly develop next-generation naval platforms for both domestic and international markets.

A key pillar of the collaboration is the creation of a resilient, distributed supply chain spanning US and South Korean industrial bases.

The MOU also emphasizes the development of ship designs optimized for rapid manufacturing and long-term sustainment, aligning with the U.S. Navy’s push toward more flexible, production-ready fleet solutions.

Hanwha noted that the MOU will be a pivotal opportunity to secure a decisive technological edge not only in the US market but also across the global naval shipbuilding arena.

“By collaborating with Leidos, we will accelerate our expansion into the global defense market and deliver tangible results,” Hanwha concluded.