Hanwha Ocean, a leading global shipbuilding and defense systems provider, announced that Admiral Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, United States Navy visited the Geoje Shipyard on November 15, accompanied by Kevin Kim, Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy Seoul.
Hanwha Ocean press release
Hanwha Ocean executives, including Hee-cheol Kim, CEO at Hanwha Ocean, Charlie SC EOH, President of Naval Ship Business at Hanwha Ocean welcomed the U.S. delegation.
Admiral Daryl Caudle and the U.S delegation observed the USNS Charles Drew (a dry cargo and ammunition ship), a replenishment ship undergoing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) at the yard. Hanwha Ocean began MRO work for the U.S. Navy in 2024 with the USNS Wally Schirra (a dry cargo and ammunition ship) and the USNS Yukon (a replenishment oiler). The Charles Drew is the third vessel under the program and is scheduled for completion in January 2026.
Admiral Daryl Caudle received a briefing on Hanwha Ocean’s production capacity. The company’s newly completed Special Vessel Plant No. 4 features an AI-based integrated control system for equipment and energy management and has been designed to support carbon-neutral operations. The yard also uses an automated pipe-production system for cutting, bending and other fabrication processes.
Hanwha Ocean’s leadership also explained its plan to expand its business from MRO work on U.S. Navy logistics support vessels to MRO for combatant ships, and eventually to new-build programs for naval vessels. Hanwha Ocean highlighted its fast delivery capabilities and proven solutions.
Hanwha Ocean CEO Hee-cheol Kim said, “Hanwha Ocean aims to remain the U.S. Navy’s most reliable partner and a strong contributor to the Korea–U.S. alliance. We are fully prepared to support the MASGA project and its successful implementation.”
The MASGA (Make American Shipbuilding Great Again) project is a shipbuilding and maritime-industry cooperation initiative with South Korea and the United States. It originated in mid-2025 during U.S.–Korea trade and tariff discussions.
