Hanwha Ocean with the proposal of submarines KSS-III in Orka program

Hanwha Ocean, a key player in the maritime sector from the Republic of Korea, signaled its aspirations for establishing a strategic partnership with Poland. This initiative forms part of the Orka programme aimed at strengthening the defence potential of the Polish Navy by acquiring the OOP.

During the press conference held at the Belloto Hotel in Warsaw, Hanwha Ocean representatives presented a comprehensive cooperation package. The key element of the offer is to provide the Polish Navy with high-tech and proven submarines of the type. KSS-III. These units, aimed at increasing the level of security in the Baltic Sea, represent the latest developments in maritime technology.

Sung Kyun Jeong, Vice President of International Ship Business in Hanwha Ocean, stressed the company's readiness to integrate the submarine KSS-III under the Polish program Orka. He also pointed out that Hanwha Ocean's offer is not limited to military aspects only, but also includes the prospect of developing a strong industrial partnership that will bring economic benefits to both countries.

Hanwha also promotes the possibility to quickly deliver these advanced units for Poland, even in 6 years. Moreover, the company is tempted by the offer of so-called gap-fillers, based on proven constructions of ships of type 209, which may be an attractive option in the context of the rapid maintenance of the capabilities of Polish submariners.

Currently operated by the Navy of the Republic of Korea, the KSS-III submarines, with a displacement of 3600 tonnes, are equipped with advanced technologies. Their application can contribute to the growth of Poland's defence potential, which in turn would have a significant impact on strengthening the international position and influence, especially in the context of defence cooperation and regional security.

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Hanwha Ocean also offers a comprehensive training package for the Navy of the Republic of Poland. This cooperation will cover a wide range of activities, starting with the basic ones coursethe operation of submarines, by training in equipment handling, to advanced tactical training using simulators and practical exercises at sea. Hanwha Ocean is also involved in supporting the Polish Navy during naval trials, offering not only operational training but also transfer of expertise.

In order to increase the self-sufficiency of Poland in the exploitation of submarine fleets, Hanwha Ocean plans to initiate operations of the Maintenance, Repair and Repair Centre (MRO) in Poland. This centre, through its team on site, will provide not only technical support, but will also deal with logistics of spare parts supply and management of fleet modernization processes, allowing Poland to effectively maintain its units.

In addition to the military aspect, Hanwha Ocean's proposal also includes support for Poland's strategic industrial development path. The company expresses interest in expanding cooperation to the civil sector, including the design of commercial vessels and the implementation of offshore projects, demonstrating its competence in these areas. Hanwha Ocean is also open to opportunities for cooperation in the field of renewable energy and research and development in cooperation with Polish institutes and universities.

Emphasising its commitment to long-term cooperation, Hanwha Ocean commits to fostering the development and prosperity of both nations. The aim of this cooperation is to stimulate local small and medium-sized enterprises, create new jobs and work together to develop new technologies. Thanks to its holistic approach to industrial cooperation, Hanwha Ocean intends to strengthen its position as a long-term partner, building lasting ties between the Republic of Korea and Poland.

Hanwha Ocean, a company founded in 1973, has developed into a global leader in the shipbuilding and offshore engineering industry over the last five decades. Its shipyard, located on the island of Geoje in the South Korean province of Gyeongsang, played an important role in its transformation into the leading producer of world-class marine units. Focusing on the continuous development of advanced technology and innovation, Hanwha Ocean consistently pointed out the directions for the development of the industry, presenting its skills in the construction of diverse units, including commercial ships, coastal platforms, as well as warships such as submarines and destroyers.

The rich Hanwha Ocean experience, covering more than four decades, is expressed in a wide portfolio and deep expertise, particularly in the field of submarine construction. This company has indicated its presence on the maritime market, engaging in a Korean submarine hunting programme (KSS), initiating production of submarines of type KSS-I for the South Korean Navy as early as 1983.

Hanwha Ocean also played a decisive role in later projects KSS-II and KSS-III, and carried out numerous repairs and modernisation work on submarines. As designated supplier of new generation submarines KSS-III about the displacement of 3600 tons, Hanwha Ocean has proven its ability to design and construct submarines independently, which meet the highest global standards.

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The KSS-III, the flagship Navy unit of the Republic of Korea, is a technologically advanced submarine about 90 metres long and 3600 tons buoyancy. Its innovation is demonstrated by an innovative propulsion system, combining advanced lithium-ion batteries with an air-independent propulsion system (AIP). This technology synergy allows KSS-III long-term underwater operations, exceeding the traditional capabilities of conventional submarines, with the possibility of sinking over three weeks.

What's more, KSS-III It has impressive firepower, capable of carrying a wide range of weapons, including SLBM ballistic missiles, SLCM maneuvering missiles, torpedoes and mines, and equipped with six 533 mm torpedo launchers and six vertical K-VLS launchers for Hyunmu-3 missiles, is a key element of Hanwha Ocean's proposal in the context of the Orka program for the Polish Navy.

Hull KSS-III is designed to minimize the noise emitted, which increases its effectiveness in hidden underwater activities. Its integrated combat management system and sonar further enhance its potential, ensuring interoperability with allied forces. These features confirm the position of KSS-III as a technological leader in the field of maritime defence.

Since entering service in 2021, KSS-III demonstrated his ability under real operating conditions, confirming his reliability and effectiveness. Its advanced technologies attract international attention, which confirms the interest of the ship by countries such as Canada, the Philippines and the Middle East. KSS-III, jako produkt zaangażowania Hanwha Ocean w pionierskie rozwiązania technologiczne, przyczynia się do zwiększenia globalnego bezpieczeństwa morskiego, jednocześnie przesuwając granice możliwości w dziedzinie technologii morskiej.

Source: Hanwha Ocean