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View of Hanwha Ocean Geoje Business Site. (Photo=Hanhwa Ocean) |
[Alpha Biz= Reporter Kim Sangjin] On the 22nd, Hanwha Ocean announced that it has withdrawn its police report against HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. In response, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries expressed relief, stating, "Although delayed, it's a fortunate development," and further called for the withdrawal of the application for designation as a defense contractor.
The dispute between South Korea's two major shipbuilders over the Korean Destroyer eXperimental (KDDX) project, which involves building six 6,000-ton next-generation destroyers by 2030, has been escalating despite rumored mediation efforts involving the companies' owners (Kim Dong-kwan of Hanwha and Jung Ki-sun of HD Hyundai). The tension is particularly concerning as it comes at a time when South Korea's naval collaboration with the U.S. is expected to grow under the second Trump administration.
Hanwha Ocean had originally filed the report in March this year, accusing HD Hyundai Heavy Industries of leaking military secrets related to the KDDX project. However, in its press release, Hanwha Ocean stated, "By canceling the report, we aim to foster mutual cooperation and take a step forward for national interests." This move signals a shift in approach, although tensions remain over the ongoing conflict regarding the first ship contract for the KDDX project.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim SangJin(letyou@alphabiz.co.kr)
