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Hanwha Ocean CEO meets Nova Scotia premier amid $40B sub deal bid

Published: 14 Apr. 2026, 15:53 Updated: 14 Apr. 2026, 18:45

KIM MIN-YOUNG
[email protected]

Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-cheul, right, and Irving Shipbuilding President Dirk Lesko pose for a commemorative photo after their meeting. [HANWHA OCEAN]

Hanwha Ocean will partner with the government of Nova Scotia and Irving Shipbuilding to pursue Canada’s $40 billion submarine program and build a local maintenance and industrial base, the company said Tuesday.

CEO Kim Hee-cheul recently visited the provincial capital of Halifax, where he met with Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston and other officials to discuss defense and industrial cooperation.

The discussions focused on Canada’s defense modernization efforts, including strengthening readiness, securing maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, developing a local workforce and building an industrial base.

On the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, Hanwha Ocean outlined its long-term strategy for industrial participation and lifecycle support, and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its role in Canada.

Kim also met with Irving Shipbuilding President Dirk Lesko to explore cooperation in strengthening the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine capabilities.

Hanwha Ocean CEO Kim Hee-cheul, fourth from left, and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, third from left, along with officials from both sides, pose for a commemorative photo after their meeting. [HANWHA OCEAN]

Both sides agreed on the need to build a Canada-led submarine maintenance industry by creating jobs, training skilled workers, stabilizing supply chains, expanding small business participation and reinforcing the domestic industrial ecosystem.

Irving Shipbuilding leads several of Canada’s key naval programs, including Arctic and offshore patrol vessels, Halifax-class frigate maintenance and the River-class destroyer program equipped with next-generation Aegis systems.

“During the bidding process for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, key evaluation factors include rapid deployment, a stable maintenance, repair and overhaul system, a strong Canada-led industrial base, and long-term technology transfer and job creation,” said Kim. “We will work closely with Canada’s industry and government to build a sustainable, Canada-centered submarine ecosystem and strengthen our competitiveness.”

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]