The USNS Wally Schirra, a dry cargo vessel, departed Hanwha's facility in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, following six months of comprehensive maintenance.
The project, which began in September 2024, involved extensive work on the vessel’s hull and engine, along with the inspection, replacement of key equipment, and system upgrades.
Hanwha Ocean entered the U.S. Navy MRO sector after securing a contract for the Wally Schirra in the same year it signed a master ship repair agreement with the U.S. Navy. In November, the company further expanded its involvement by winning a contract for the regular repair of the USNS Yukon, a refueling ship for the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet.
Commander Patrick J. Moore, commanding officer of the Military Sealift Command Office Korea, praised the efforts of both Hanwha Ocean’s team and the Wally Schirra crew, highlighting the successful project as a sign of strong bilateral cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea. He also expressed optimism about future opportunities for further collaboration.
The global naval MRO market, valued at approximately USD 8 billion, is continuing to expand. Hanwha Ocean aims to secure MRO contracts for five to six U.S. Navy ships this year and plans to further grow its MRO business on the international stage.
