Hanwha Ocean has opened an online homepage in Canada to promote its submarine, the ‘JangBogo-III (KSS-III)’, as it steps up efforts to secure a contract for the country’s submarine project, estimated at $42 billion.
According to industry sources on the 23rd, Hanwha Ocean launched the “Canada KSS-III” homepage on the 21st (local time). The website features key specifications of the KSS-III, company information, and details about partnerships in Canada. A frequently asked questions (FAQ) section addresses the submarine’s range, production status, differences between the KSS-III Batch-I and Batch-II models, the use of Chinese materials or components, and the expected delivery timeline for Canada.
Hanwha Ocean highlighted three key advantages of its KSS-III submarine First, the vessel’s operational range significantly exceeds Canada’s required 7,000 nautical miles (approximately 12,964 km). Second, the KSS-III Batch-II model contains no Chinese-made materials, components, or equipment. Third, the company plans to deliver the first submarine within six years of contract signing, followed by one additional vessel per year thereafter.
Hanwha Ocean has been actively promoting its bid for Canada’s submarine project through both online and offline channels. In November 2023, the company participated in “Deep Blue Forum 2023,” Canada’s only submarine-focused forum. The following May, Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Aerospace operated a booth at CANSEC (Canada’s Global Defence & Security Trade Show), showcasing the superiority of the KSS-III Batch-II. “In a strategic move to bolster its bid, Hanwha Ocean hosted Canadian Navy Commander Angus Topshee last November for an exclusive tour of its Geoje shipyard, showcasing cutting-edge submarine technologies. The company further amplified its outreach by participating in the high-profile 93rd Ottawa Conference this year. Representing Hanwha Ocean at the conference, Jung Seung-Kyun, Vice President and Head of Overseas Special Ship Business, held closed-door talks with Senator Rebecca Patterson to personally convey the company’s strong commitment to securing the contract.”
Canada’s submarine project involves replacing its aging four Victoria-class submarines with 12 new 3,000-ton diesel-electric submarines. The project is valued at approximately $42 billion. The Canadian government sent Requests for Information (RFIs) to global shipbuilders in September last year, receiving responses from Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Germany’s TKMS, and Spain’s Navantia. The winning bidder is expected to be selected as early as next year, with the first submarine delivery slated for 2035.
