Hanwha Ocean and POSCO have entered a strategic partnership to jointly develop giga-class steel — an ultra-strong material intended for South Korea’s next generation of warships and autonomous naval systems.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the two companies will cooperate in six development areas, including advanced steel manufacturing, welding processes, and ship hull integration. According to Business Korea, research and development efforts are projected to conclude within two to three years.
POSCO, one of the world’s largest steelmakers, brings extensive metallurgical expertise, while Hanwha Ocean contributes its shipbuilding experience as a producer of submarines and destroyers for both domestic and export markets.
Giga-class steel, approximately four times stronger than conventional grades, is designed to reduce ship weight while enhancing overall resilience. The innovation is expected to boost stability and combat endurance in future manned and unmanned naval vessels.
The collaboration coincides with a worldwide trend toward upgrading naval production materials and infrastructure.
Austal USA, for instance, began work in late 2024 on a new submarine module facility supporting the U.S. Navy’s Columbia- and Virginia-class programs.
In Japan, Tsuneishi Shipbuilding recently introduced a hydrogen dual-fuel tugboat constructed using JFE Steel’s green steel to cut emissions.
Domestically, South Korea’s shipbuilding expansion continues. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to deliver up to five Aegis destroyers annually for the U.S. Navy, while the indigenous KDDX destroyer class remains on schedule, with six ships expected by 2030.
