Ontario Shipyards and Hanwha Ocean have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at increasing large-vessel construction in Ontario and advancing Canada’s capacity to undertake future naval projects.
Through the MoU, Hanwha Ocean will provide technical and operational support to Ontario Shipyards.
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The collaboration will cover areas such as design and engineering, production planning, construction sequencing, quality management systems, and advanced shipyard processes.
These efforts aim to strengthen production readiness and improve performance at Ontario Shipyards.
As part of the cooperation framework, Hanwha Ocean will assist with the design and construction of a Training and Recruitment vessel, scheduled for assembly by Ontario Shipyards from 2026.
This vessel is intended to demonstrate updated shipbuilding practices in the province.
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By GlobalDataShould the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) be awarded, Hanwha Ocean has indicated plans for further investment in Ontario, including the creation of a dedicated training facility and expanded collaboration with local suppliers.
Alongside this, both companies have also signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Mohawk College.
The partners will establish an integrated training hub at the Hamilton shipyard, develop industry-led credentials, support apprenticeships aligned with production needs, and consider applied research in automation and digital manufacturing.
Under this arrangement, Mohawk College will lead academic instruction across trades such as welding, electrical work, robotics, logistics, and other disciplines.
Ontario Shipyards will provide access to facilities and support workforce integration, while Hanwha Ocean will offer technical advisory services and connection to international standards.
The partnerships are aligned with both Ontario’s advanced manufacturing strategy and Canada’s broader objective to develop sovereign defence industrial capabilities.
The framework is expected to generate skilled employment opportunities, expand marine supply chains within Ontario, support regional small and medium-sized businesses, and increase Canada’s capacity to build and maintain complex naval platforms.
Long-term plans under this initiative aim to establish the Golden Horseshoe area and wider Great Lakes region as a central hub for advanced marine manufacturing and shipbuilding activity.
Ontario Shipyards president and CEO Shaun Padulo said: “With Hanwha Ocean working alongside our teams and Mohawk College training the next generation in a live shipyard, we are building the Canadian workforce that will deliver and sustain Canadian ships for decades to come. That is how sovereign capacity is created.
“This partnership activates Ontario’s industrial strength in direct support of the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the future of the Royal Canadian Navy and creates meaningful long-term careers for Canadians.”
