U.S Navy Ship Completes Maintenance Work At A South Korean Shipyard for the First Time

In a major step towards deepening U.S. and South Korean ties, a U.S. Navy ship for the first time underwent maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) in the Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard.

The Lewis and Clark dry cargo class ship, with a displacement of 40,000 tonnes, left the facility on Wednesday.

The overhaul and repairs of USNS Wally Schirra marks the first time a South Korean Shipyard has undertaken a major refit of a U.S. Navy ship.

South Korea expects more such opportunities under Trump’s plans to strengthen and revitalise the U.S. Navy amidst growing Chinese domination.

The ship spent six months at the shipyard where work was done on her machinery and hull, including inspections of its equipment, replacements and upgrades of a few onboard systems.

The facility also suggested a few measures for improving the ship’s operations and efficiency and obtained a revised contract from the United States Navy. Per MSC, issues like hull corrosion and replacing the rudder system were addressed. The ship left South Korea on March 12, 2025.

Hanwha took care of the hull damage, rudder, steering gear and propeller, said Cmdr Patrick J Moore, the commanding officer, MSC office in Korea. He also added that Hanwha engineers reverse engineered the damaged rudder and replaced the unit, saving time and resources in getting the ship back to the waters, an evidence of their robust supply chains, advanced technologies and skilled personnel.

This maintenance work was performed as part of the U.S. Navy’s MRO Program. Hanwha signed a contract with the navy in 2024 and became the second shipyard in South Korea to be authorised to bid for contracts. HD Hyundai was also authorized in 2024 and will start bidding for contracts this year.

Small repairs are regularly done in Korea, but this marks the first time much extensive work has been done in the country on a U.S. Navy vessel.

Additionally, Hanwha Ocean has a second project, the overhauling of refueling ship USNS Yukon, that reached the yard in November. The shipyard mentioned that it plans to target at least 5 to 6 contracts this year and hopes to expand its operations.

References: USNI News, Yahoo news

Source: Maritime Shipping News