Hanwha Ocean and POSCO to Jointly Develop Next-Generation Gigapascal-Grade Steel for Naval Vessels

Hanwha Ocean and POSCO have embarked on the joint development of next-generation ultra-high-strength steel (gigapascal-grade steel) for naval vessels.

On October 1, Hanwha Ocean announced that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with POSCO at its Seoul office in Jung-gu, Seoul, for the development of gigapascal-grade special steel. Based on this agreement, the two companies plan to cooperate in six areas, including steel and application technology, welding materials, welding technology, and hull application technology.

On the 1st, at Hanwha Ocean's Seoul office, Kim Ilhong, Executive Director of Special Ship Design at Hanwha Ocean (third from the left in the front row), and Song Yeongyun, Head of the Steel Solutions Research Institute at POSCO (fourth from the left in the front row), along with other officials, pledged success after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the joint development of an integrated solution for next-generation gigapascal ultra-high-strength steel materials for naval vessels. Provided by Hanwha Ocean

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The next-generation gigapascal-grade steel for naval vessels is a rolled steel plate that ensures structural safety, protection performance, and weld joint safety for maritime weapon systems such as combat ships and unmanned surface vessels. It is characterized by a strength approximately four times higher than conventional steel, significantly enhancing ballistic protection while reducing the weight of naval vessels. The two companies are aiming to complete research and development within two to three years.

According to industry sources, because surface ships have a structural characteristic where the hull is exposed above the waterline, it is essential to reduce the weight of the superstructure and to secure ballistic protection in critical areas. Gigapascal-grade steel is regarded as a next-generation material that meets these requirements.

Kim Ilhong, Executive Director of Special Ship Design at Hanwha Ocean, stated, "With this collaboration, we will begin in earnest our preparations to enter the global advanced naval vessel market," adding, "We aim to become a solutions company that provides the world's best special-purpose ships." Song Yeongyun, Head of the Steel Solutions Research Institute at POSCO, also emphasized, "Through the close cooperation between our two companies, we will expedite the development of gigapascal-grade steel," and added, "We will take the lead in enhancing the global competitiveness of K-Defense in the maritime sector and advancing the domestic defense industry."

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