Hanwha is making a bold play for the future of unmanned maritime systems, and it’s not just dipping its toes in the water—it’s diving in with both feet. The South Korean defence and shipbuilding giant is exploring a strategic partnership with U.S.-based autonomy specialist HavocAI, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This isn’t just about building ships; it’s about redefining how they operate.
On October 28, HavocAI’s CEO Paul Lwin and his team visited Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje Shipyard. What happened next was a game-changer: a live demonstration where a HavocAI-equipped unmanned surface vessel (USV) off the coast of Hawaii was remotely operated from Geoje, Korea. That’s right—Hanwha and HavocAI just proved they can control a ship thousands of miles away with the push of a button. This isn’t sci-fi; it’s the future of maritime operations, and it’s happening now.
Hanwha isn’t just testing the waters here. It’s already made its move in the U.S. market by acquiring Philly Shipyard in 2024, and now it’s doubling down. The company is merging Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding muscle with Hanwha Systems’ platform-integration and advanced naval systems—think Combat Management Systems (CMS), Engineering Control Systems (ECS), and Condition Based Maintenance Systems (CBMS). Throw in HavocAI’s autonomous-operation software, and you’ve got a recipe for a major shake-up in the global maritime industry.
This isn’t just about defence, either. Hanwha and HavocAI are eyeing practical, scalable solutions that could revolutionise both military and commercial maritime operations. Imagine ships that operate more efficiently, last longer, and cost less to maintain—all while reducing the need for human crews in hazardous conditions. That’s the kind of innovation that could reshape the entire sector.
Paul Lwin, Co-founder and CEO of HavocAI, put it bluntly: “By combining Hanwha Group’s naval-systems expertise with HavocAI’s autonomy technology, we can extend the operational life and value of existing vessels while enabling faster deployment of new unmanned systems.” In other words, this isn’t just about building new ships—it’s about making existing ones smarter, more efficient, and more capable.
Ryu Moon-Ghee, Head of the Naval Business Division at Hanwha Systems, echoed that sentiment: “Leveraging Hanwha Systems’ maritime-integration capabilities and the synergies of Hanwha’s affiliated companies, we will work closely with HavocAI to achieve tangible progress in entering the global market for autonomous maritime systems.” This is a clear signal that Hanwha isn’t just playing catch-up—it’s aiming to lead the charge.
The implications for the maritime industry are enormous. If Hanwha and HavocAI can pull this off, we’re looking at a future where unmanned vessels aren’t just a niche application but a mainstream reality. That means fewer human crews in harm’s way, lower operational costs, and a more sustainable approach to maritime logistics. But it also raises questions: How will existing shipbuilders adapt? What regulatory hurdles will need to be cleared? And how will crews transition to a world where autonomy is the norm?
One thing is clear—this isn’t just about two companies teaming up. It’s about setting the stage for a new era in maritime operations. The question is, who will follow their lead?