Hanwha wins first US Navy project

Mar 31, 2026, 09:30 am

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Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. / Correspondent Ha Man-joo (Philadelphia)

Hanwha Defense USA and Hanwha Philly Shipyard have secured their first project with the U.S. Navy, marking a significant milestone for the company’s expansion into the American defense shipbuilding sector.

According to Reuters on March 30, the two entities joined the U.S. Navy’s next-generation logistics ship program as partners of Vard Marine US, a ship design firm. The program aims to develop smaller and more agile vessels capable of refueling, rearming, and resupplying combat ships.

This contract marks Hanwha’s first U.S. Navy deal since establishing Hanwha Defense USA and acquiring the Philly Shipyard. Following the acquisition in December 2024, Hanwha invested approximately $200 million to enhance workforce, capabilities, and production capacity.

Smaller, cost-efficient next-generation support ships

Industry outlet The Maritime Executive described the project as a light oiler (T-AOL), also referred to as the Next-Generation Logistics Ship (NGLS). The vessel is designed as a small, lightweight, and cost-efficient tanker using commercially available technologies to support forward-deployed naval forces.

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Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. / Correspondent Ha Man-joo (Philadelphia)

The ship is expected to have a capacity of approximately 3,000 to 4,000 deadweight tons, enabling easier deployment in coastal and combat zones. Estimated construction costs are around $150 million per vessel, significantly lower than the roughly $800 million cost of a John Lewis-class fleet oiler.

From concept design to production optimization

Hanwha’s role in the project includes ship conceptualization, market research on existing global designs, cost analysis, and production optimization. Experts suggest that such involvement could position the company favorably in future bids for full-scale ship construction.

Tom Anderson, head of the shipbuilding division at Hanwha Defense USA, said, “Hanwha is proud to collaborate with Vard on the design and integration of the U.S. Navy’s next-generation logistics ship. This contract is an important step in leveraging world-class shipbuilding capabilities to deliver vessels the Navy needs.”

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Tom Anderson, head of the shipbuilding division at Hanwha Defense USA, holds a press briefing at Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 22, 2025. / Correspondent Ha Man-joo (Philadelphia)

Logistics strain highlights strategic importance

The report also noted growing concerns over the U.S. Navy’s logistics capabilities. Warships such as aircraft carriers and destroyers require regular resupply, making logistics support a critical component of naval operations.

However, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) has been unable to operate some smaller support vessels due to manpower shortages, while the fleet is reportedly overstretched and vulnerable from excessive deployment.

Admiral Darryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, said in Singapore last week, “MSC is the fleet that keeps me up at night. So much depends on it, and it is central to operations in the Indo-Pacific.”

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U.S. President Donald Trump unveils the concept image of the “Defiant,” a Trump-class naval vessel, while announcing the “Golden Fleet” initiative during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 22, 2025. / AFP-Yonhap

Aligned with Trump’s “Golden Fleet” vision

The deal also aligns with the broader U.S. strategy to rebuild its shipbuilding industry. On December 22, 2025, the same day Hanwha held a media event at its Philly Shipyard, Donald Trump announced his “Golden Fleet” initiative and stated that the U.S. would cooperate with Hanwha.

At the time, Anderson noted that Hanwha Philly Shipyard has the capability to build nuclear-powered submarines, and the company is pursuing a transformation into a dual-use shipyard capable of constructing both commercial and military vessels.

#Hanwha Defense USA #Philly Shipyard #US Navy #NGLS #T-AOL