Overview
Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, DSME) at Geoje, South Korea, is one of the world's three largest shipbuilders. Acquired by Hanwha Group in 2023 after a long restructuring under state ownership, the yard has historic strength in LNG carriers, VLCCs, drillships, FPSOs, and Korean Navy submarines. The Hanwha takeover brings defence-electronics and energy capability that the prior DSME structure lacked.
Key facts
- Geoje, South Korea
- Renamed Hanwha Ocean in 2023
- Formerly DSME (state-owned until 2023)
- VLCC + LNG + drillship leader
- Korean Navy submarine builder
Why it matters to seafarers
Hanwha Ocean built much of the modern VLCC and LNG fleet. The yard's engineering standards continue under Hanwha; expect MAN-ES and WinGD main engines, dual-fuel preparation on new orders, and ammonia-fuel concepts entering the design pipeline.