Hanwha Ocean Sets Up Nuclear Submarine Unit, Hiring Experts for Jangbogo N Project

Hanwha Ocean’s recruitment poster for experienced professionals in its Special Ship Business Division. (Hanwha Ocean) Hanwha Ocean has established a dedicated unit for nuclear-powered submarine development and begun recruiting specialized personnel as the South Korean government advances its Jangbogo N Project. The move is intended to build the technical capabilities needed for the national initiative, which aims to launch the country’s first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s. The shipbuilder recently established the Jangbogo N Development Unit to bring core technologies in-house and strengthen its project execution capabilities. The unit will serve as a central point of contact for cooperation with the government, the Navy and other relevant agencies, while overseeing technology development in preparation for a potential project award. Hanwha Ocean has participated in the construction of all three generations of South Korea’s Jangbogo-class submarines and plans to expand its expertise into nuclear propulsion. Alongside the organizational changes, the company is recruiting experienced professionals in five fields: nuclear and propulsion-system integration design; piping layout and stress analysis; instrumentation and control (I&C) integration design; nuclear licensing and safety regulation; and nuclear quality assurance. Applicants must have at least five years of relevant experience. Applications will be accepted through Hanwha Ocean’s official recruitment website until Oct. 25. Nuclear-powered submarines use compact nuclear reactors for propulsion, allowing them to remain submerged for longer periods and sustain high speeds compared with conventional diesel-powered submarines. Integrating a reactor and associated power systems into a confined hull, however, requires highly specialized engineering. The systems must also withstand the distinctive operating conditions of a submarine, including sharp turns, rapid maneuvers and shock from explosions. These demands require an approach different from that used for land-based reactors or reactors designed for conventional commercial vessels. Hanwha Ocean’s recruitment drive therefore extends beyond design engineers to include specialists in licensing, safety regulation and quality assurance. The company aims to develop safety-verification procedures, prepare for regulatory requirements and establish quality-assurance systems for nuclear propulsion technologies, helping reduce technical and regulatory risks during development. Choi Jung-hoon, senior vice president and head of the Jangbogo N Development Unit within Hanwha Ocean’s Special Ship Business Division, said the company must prepare for a reactor environment fundamentally different from those of existing land-based and commercial marine applications. He said Hanwha Ocean would proactively recruit nuclear specialists to prepare for the national strategic project. In May, the government outlined a development plan targeting the launch of South Korea’s first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s and its entry into service in the late 2030s. On Sept. 29, the Cabinet approved a special bill covering the acquisition, operation and safety management of nuclear-powered submarines. The bill is expected to provide a legal framework for the country’s first program combining a major weapons system with nuclear energy. Industry observers view Hanwha Ocean’s move as an early effort to strengthen its position ahead of the anticipated national project. By combining its submarine-building experience with expertise in nuclear propulsion-system integration, the company aims to establish the capabilities needed to compete for the program. Hanwha Ocean has also reported improved financial performance. In the second quarter, the company posted consolidated revenue of 5.44 trillion won, or approximately $4.05 billion, and operating profit of 736.1 billion won, up 65.2% and 98.0%, respectively, from a year earlier. The company plans to use its financial resources to increase investment in future technologies in its naval and special-vessel businesses.