GEOJE, South Korea — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the country’s Minister of National Defence visited Hanwha Ocean’s shipyard in Geoje to inspect the KSS-III Batch-II submarine, one of the shortlisted candidates for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

During the visit, the delegation toured the first KSS-III Batch-II submarine, Jang Yeongsil, which was recently launched, and experienced Hanwha Ocean’s advanced shipbuilding capabilities supported by its large-scale industrial infrastructure.

Hanwha Ocean presented a submarine solution designed to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Canadian Navy, highlighting rapid production capacity, proven maintenance reliability, and potential for broader industrial collaboration.

The 3,000-ton KSS-III Batch-II submarine is equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) and lithium-ion battery systems, enabling long-duration underwater missions. With a range exceeding 7,000 nautical miles (about 12,900 km), it is positioned to support Canada’s Three-Ocean Strategy, encompassing the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans.

According to Hanwha Ocean, if the CPSP contract is awarded next year, the company can deliver four KSS-III Batch-II submarines before 2035, ahead of the retirement of Canada’s current fleet. The remaining vessels would follow at a rate of one per year, completing the delivery of 12 submarines by 2043. This delivery schedule would allow for the early retirement of the Victoria-class submarines, reducing long-term maintenance and operational costs.

Hanwha Ocean said it stands ready to partner with the Royal Canadian Navy on its future needs.