Hanwha Ocean kicks off historic repair project for U.S. Navy

 The USNS WALLY SCHIRRA , a dry cargo and ammunition ship of the U.S. Navy, arrived at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard on Sep 2., marking a significant milestone. This is the first time a U.S. Navy vessel has been sent to South Korea for extensive maintenance work. Hanwha Ocean announced on Sep 3. that it has officially started repairs on the ship, making this the first instance of a Korean company being contracted for a U.S. Navy ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) project.

The WALLY SCHIRRA, a logistics support ship, is designed to provide ammunition, food, repair parts, fuel, and other supplies to other vessels, including combat ships, while at sea. This large replenishment vessel has a displacement of around 40,000 tons and measures 210 meters in length and 32.2 meters in width. Over the next three months, the ship will undergo comprehensive repairs to its engine, as well as both interior and exterior refurbishments, aiming to restore it to like-new condition before being returned to the U.S. Navy.

Due to a labor shortage in American shipyards, the U.S. has struggled to conduct naval ship repairs domestically, increasingly turning to allied countries with advanced shipbuilding and repair capabilities. This project marks the first time South Korea has taken on such a task for the U.S. Navy.A representative from Hanwha Ocean stated, “We are committed to completing this MRO project—the first secured by a domestic shipyard—on schedule.” The representative also noted, “Hanwha Ocean plans to expand its overseas MRO business to include countries that operate ships exported by Hanwha, such as Indonesia and Thailand.”

Source : the chosun daily.   - by Lee Jeong-gu,