Press Release
Representatives from major Canadian shipyards – Irving Shipbuilding, Seaspan Shipyards, Davie and Ontario Shipyards – join Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement on tour of one of the largest and most advanced shipbuilding facilities in the world
The visit highlighted opportunities for long-term sustainment, MRO cooperation, and workforce development with Canadian shipyards under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), supporting the development of in-country capabilities over the life of the fleet.
Canadian delegation boarded and toured the completed and in-the-water KSS-III submarine – the exact proven, in-service and in-production submarine that Hanwha is proposing for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
During an official visit to Hanwha Ocean by the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, representatives from Canada’s major shipyards observed advanced shipbuilding processes and technologies, and engaged in key discussions with one of the world’s leading shipbuilders.
Key representatives from Irving Shipbuilding, Seaspan Shipyards, Davie Shipbuilding and Ontario Shipyards were keen to explore how collaboration and partnership with Hanwha Ocean could help strengthen domestic shipbuilding capabilities in Canada and maximize industrial and technological benefits across the country as part of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
In addition to touring one of the world’s largest and most advanced shipbuilding facilities — including the active and highly automated production line for the KSS-III submarine — the delegation boarded and toured the completed and in-the-water KSS-III submarine launched for the Republic of Korea Navy in October 2025 – the same submarine platform that Hanwha is proposing for the CPSP.
The visit by representatives from Canada’s four major shipyards was particularly significant in highlighting the potential for local MRO cooperation with Hanwha Ocean, as well as long-term workforce development and skills transfer. Discussions focused on how Canadian shipyards could play a sustained role not only in routine maintenance, but also in more complex submarine sustainment activities over the full lifecycle of the fleet, helping to support stable, long-term employment and the development of a highly skilled domestic submarine sustainment workforce.
Hanwha Ocean outlined potential pathways for building Canadian MRO capacity based on its experience sustaining an in-service KSS-III fleet.
This included :
· Structured training and certification programs for Canadian engineers and technicians, supported by joint maintenance and overhaul activities
· Embedding proven production, sustainment, and quality-management practices within Canadian shipyards to build durable MRO capability
· Progressive transfer and localization of advanced submarine technologies, including lithium-ion battery systems, air-independent propulsion (AIP), and vertical launch systems (VLS)
· Hands-on technical training covering maintenance procedures, safety standards, and lifecycle sustainment for both legacy and next-generation submarine systems
· Long-term industrial cooperation frameworks to support workforce development, knowledge retention, and sustained in-country capability growth
This approach would support the development of a Canadian-centred submarine sustainment ecosystem, enabling domestic shipyards to retain high-value jobs, cultivate specialized MRO expertise, and participate more deeply in global submarine supply and sustainment programs. Over time, such Canadian industrial capabilities could also support export-oriented activities, allowing Canadian partners to contribute to international submarine programs alongside Hanwha Ocean.
The Canadian delegation also visited the Republic of Korea Navy Submarine Force Command base. Here they met with the Korean Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations and other senior submarine officers, and toured an in-service KSS-III submarine as well as the submarine training centre and maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility. It is here that Royal Canadian Navy sailors would train along side the ROK Navy while Canada’s submarines are being constructed and where Canada’s submarines could receive maintenance and support while deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.
Quotes
“We see the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project as a long-term partnership with Canada’s shipbuilding industry. Hanwha Ocean is committed to supporting collaboration on sustainment, MRO, and skills development, and to embedding proven submarine construction and sustainment capabilities within Canadian shipyards. Through this approach, we aim to help grow domestic industrial capacity and support sovereign, long-term submarine sustainment for the Royal Canadian Navy.”
Charlie SC Eoh, President of Naval Ship Business, Hanwha Ocean
“What they do here at Hanwha Ocean is cutting edge. It is absolutely fantastic. If we can bring just a fraction of that to Canada, as a country we would be a lot further ahead in our shipbuilding endeavors.”
Ted Kirkpatrick, Vice-President of Business Development and Government Relations, Ontario Shipyards
“This visit provided an opportunity to understand our role in maximizing the success of the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program. We believe our learnings and achievements under the National Shipbuilding Strategy should be leveraged as Canada acquires and sustains a new combatant submarine fleet.”
Jean-François Séguin, Vice President, Communications and Government Relations, Irving Shipbuilding
