Lloyd’s Register grants first export submarine design approval to Hanwha Ocean’s 2,000-tonne platform

Lloyd’s Register grants first export submarine design approval to Hanwha Ocean’s 2,000-tonne platform

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Sea |
Lloyd’s Register grants first export submarine design approval to Hanwha Ocean’s 2,000-tonne platform

Photo: Hanwha Ocean.

Lloyd’s Register has awarded its first Approval in Principle (AiP) for an export submarine design to Hanwha Ocean, marking a milestone in the development of the South Korean company’s independently designed 2,000-tonne submarine platform. The approval was issued under Lloyd’s Register’s Submarine Assurance Framework and provides early-stage validation of the design’s safety, interoperability and technical robustness against internationally recognised standards.

According to Lloyd’s Register, the AiP confirms that Hanwha Ocean’s concept design meets established naval and classification requirements intended to reduce technical risk in complex submarine programmes. The approval is expected to support the shipbuilder’s access to international submarine export markets.

Lloyd’s Register said its Submarine Assurance Framework is designed to support navies and ship designers throughout the entire lifecycle of submarine programmes, from initial concept development to operational service and life extension. The framework combines naval standards, classification expertise and a structured risk-based methodology aimed at strengthening assurance in defence procurement.

For the Hanwha Ocean programme, Lloyd’s Register assembled an international team of naval and submarine specialists to conduct the technical review process. The assessment concluded with a workshop at Hanwha Ocean’s headquarters in Seoul.




 

David Lloyd, vice-president for naval and government business at Lloyd’s Register, said: “This AiP issued under our Submarine Assurance Framework demonstrates how independent, outcome-based assurance can help reduce technical risk and build confidence with customer navies.”

“The approval underlines the growing role LR has in assurance in the defence sector and reinforces our position as a trusted adviser for complex naval programmes,” Lloyd added.

Il-Hong Kim, senior vice-president of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Design Department, described the approval as an endorsement of the company’s submarine engineering capabilities. “Achieving AiP for our 2,000 ton submarine is a powerful confirmation of Hanwha Ocean’s world class submarine design capabilities,” Kim said.

“Working closely with Lloyd’s Register, we will continue delivering tailored solutions that meet diverse national requirements and strengthen the global presence of Korea’s naval defense industry,” he added.