The naming ceremony at Hanwha Philly Shipyard was attended by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, the First Lady, and senior officials. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Todd Young also joined the event.
The ceremony followed summit talks between President Lee and U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the South Korean administration pledged $150 billion in American shipbuilding investments. Hanwha Philly Shipyard is set to play a key role in future bilateral collaboration.
In his address, Hanwha Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim expressed appreciation to U.S. and Korean leaders and stressed the value of partnership. “Today’s christening ceremony is the embodiment of our two nations working side by side to reindustrialize for the sake of shared security and prosperity. We are creating good manufacturing jobs, building the world’s most advanced ships, and fostering a new skilled workforce right here in America,” said Kim. “This is just the beginning. Hanwha is committed to being a partner in building the next chapter of American shipbuilding.”
Hanwha acquired Philly Shipyard last year through a $100 million investment, positioning it as a major U.S. hub. The company is investing in modernising infrastructure with advanced automation and smart yard technology.
The $5 billion expansion plan will add two docks, three quays and a potential new block assembly facility to increase capacity. Hanwha aims to boost annual production from fewer than two vessels to as many as 20, including LNG carriers, naval modules and blocks, and in the longer term, naval vessels.
Hanwha Shipping, the group’s U.S. subsidiary, has ordered 10 medium-range oil and chemical tankers from Hanwha Philly Shipyard, with the first to be delivered by early 2029. It also confirmed an option for a second LNG carrier, following last month’s order for the first U.S.-built, export-market LNG carrier in nearly 50 years.
Hanwha Ocean CEO Hee Cheul Kim and Hanwha Global Defense CEO Michael Coulter also attended the christening. Hanwha stated that combined efforts between Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Philly Shipyard will strengthen job creation and support a resilient shipbuilding industry ecosystem in both markets.
