South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co. announced Wednesday that it was recently selected as the preferred bidder for a project to prototype an energy source system for unmanned submersibles led by the country’s Agency for Defense Development.

Hanwha Ocean is now eligible to participate in the development of a hydrogen fuel cell system, serving as an energy source for a multi-purpose modular unmanned submarine.

Hanwha Ocean will manufacture a prototype hydrogen fuel cell, provide design verification support, and offer testing services as part of the project.

The undertaking assigns Hanwha Ocean with the mission of developing a long-term power source for the “Multi-Purpose Modular Large Unmanned Submarine” project initiated by the Republic of Korea Navy.

The contract award for this project is based on Hanwha Ocean’s independent capabilities, including its expertise in Air Independent Propulsion (AIP), a technology that enables extended underwater operation without the need to surface for air replenishment, and its experience in designing and producing fuel cell systems, the company said.

AIP technology, recognized not only within the industry but also by foreign navies, allows conventional diesel-powered submarines to achieve extended submerged endurance.

“Through substantial investments, Hanwha Ocean is committed to securing advanced defense solutions on a global scale, including the development of unmanned, advanced naval technology,” the company said. “Building upon our expertise in developing world-class diesel-powered submarines, we intend to lead the development of unmanned naval technology, which is poised to become a core component of Korea’s defense capabilities in the future.”

By Pulse

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]