Busan: Hanwha Ocean Co., a leading South Korean shipbuilder, announced plans on Wednesday to establish an engineering center in the southeastern port city of Busan. The move aims to strengthen the company's design competitiveness in the marine and special ship sectors.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Busan metropolitan government to establish the center, which is scheduled to open in May. Initially, the facility will accommodate 150 design specialists who will focus on marine and special ship projects.

Hanwha Ocean, recognized as the world's third-largest shipbuilder by order backlog, has plans to hire an additional 350 design personnel by 2027. This expansion will bring the total workforce at the center to 500. The company envisions the center as a strategic hub to attract top talent in marine and special ship design, leveraging the ongoing growth in the shipbuilding industry.

The new center is expected to enhance Hanwha Ocean's competitive edge and contribute to the shipbuilding ecosystem by creating new jobs in the surrounding regions. Additionally, the shipbuilder aims to boost its production capabilities at its shipyard on the nearby island of Geoje. This will include expanding large-scale facilities such as cranes and docks.

Hanwha Ocean expressed that its investments in design and production capacity highlight its commitment to reinforcing its position in the global shipbuilding market while supporting regional economic growth.