Ontario Shipyards deal bolsters Hanwha Ocean’s Canadian expansion

The Korean shipbuilder will support Ontario naval industrial readiness.

Hanwha Ocean and Ontario Shipyards signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to restore large-scale shipbuilding in Ontario, Canada, and entered into a letter of intent (LOI) with Mohawk College to establish a training hub at the Hamilton shipyard.

Under the MOU, Hanwha Ocean will provide technical and operational support to Ontario Shipyards, focusing on vessel design, engineering, production planning, and quality management systems.

These measures aim to increase production efficiency and naval industrial readiness in the province, according to a press release.

The LOI establishes a training hub at the Hamilton facility, where Mohawk College will manage academic programmes in skilled trades, including welding, electrical work, and marine mechanics.

Hanwha Ocean will provide technical advice and access to industrial networks, whilst Ontario Shipyards will provide the facilities.

Ontario Shipyards will begin construction of a training and recruitment vessel in 2026, with Hanwha Ocean supporting the design and construction phase of the ship.

Hanwha Ocean plans additional investment in Ontario if the company wins the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project contract. The plan includes a dedicated training centre and cooperation with Ontario-based suppliers.

The agreements aim to expand marine supply chains in the Great Lakes region, the press release said.

Shaun Padulo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Shipyards, said the framework supports the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the capacity for the construction and maintenance of naval platforms in Canada.