A new partnership between Hanwha Ocean from South Korea and Ontario Shipyards aims to bring large-scale shipbuilding back to the Great Lakes in Canada. This collaboration also seeks to develop a skilled workforce for future submarine construction.
The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, where Hanwha Ocean will share its knowledge in ship design, engineering, production planning, quality control, and advanced yard processes. The aim is to speed up complex vessel construction in Ontario's industrial area.
In addition, Hanwha Ocean and Ontario Shipyards are joining forces with Mohawk College to create a training facility right at Ontario Shipyards’ Hamilton location. This initiative is intended to address the ongoing skilled labor shortages affecting Canada’s marine and defense industries.
“Our goal is not just to transfer knowledge but to integrate Hanwha Ocean’s advanced shipbuilding methods into Ontario Shipyards’ operations,” said Hee-Chul Kim, President and CEO of Hanwha Ocean. “This will help strengthen Canada’s industrial base and ensure a ready workforce for the future.”
As an early step, Hanwha Ocean will assist in the design and construction of a Training and Recruitment Vessel that Ontario Shipyards plans to start building in 2026.
Workforce development is a key part of this strategy. Mohawk College will offer training in areas like welding, electrical trades, millwright work, marine mechanics, robotics, logistics, and non-destructive testing, all in an active shipyard setting. Hanwha Ocean will provide technical advice and help align training standards with global best practices.
This agreement also has significant long-term implications. If Hanwha Ocean is chosen for Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, the company has indicated it would invest more in Ontario, including a dedicated shipbuilding training center and enhanced partnerships with local suppliers.
Hanwha Ocean operates one of the largest integrated shipyards in Geoje, South Korea, employing over 31,000 workers and delivering around 45 commercial and naval vessels each year. Since 1973, the company has built more than 1,400 ships and gained extensive experience in constructing submarines and surface combatants for the Republic of Korea Navy.
Ontario Shipyards has facilities in Hamilton, Port Weller, and Thunder Bay, focusing on vessel life extensions, refits, and support for the Canadian Coast Guard and commercial operators. This partnership may signal a shift toward rebuilding new shipbuilding capabilities in the Great Lakes region—an area where Canada's marine sector has faced challenges for decades.
If successful, this project could position Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe as a leading center for advanced marine manufacturing, aligning with Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and the future needs of the Royal Canadian Navy.