SNU Signs MOU with Hanwha Ocean to Establish Ocean Convergence Technology Research Center
Partnership aims to strengthen Korea’s shipbuilding and offshore engineering competitiveness and foster next-generation talent


▲ Commemorative photo from the opening ceremony of the Ocean Convergence Technology Research Center

Seoul National University (SNU) and Hanwha Ocean announced that they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on March 3 to enhance the technological competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding and offshore engineering industry and support the cultivation of interdisciplinary talent. On the same day, they also held an opening ceremony for the Ocean Convergence Technology Research Center, established under SNU’s Research Institute of Marine Systems Engineering. 

Through the newly established center, the two institutions plan to pursue a range of collaborative initiatives, including the identification and execution of mid- to long-term interdisciplinary R&D projects in shipbuilding and offshore engineering, the training of convergent research talent, and the support of industry–academia scholarship students and internships.

Dean Young-Oh Kim of the SNU College of Engineering stated, “The Ocean Convergence Technology Research Center will serve as an important milestone in generating synergy between SNU and Hanwha Ocean. By combining SNU’s fundamental research capabilities with Hanwha Ocean’s industrial expertise, we expect to build a sustainable collaborative research environment and make meaningful contributions to strengthening the competitiveness of Korea’s shipbuilding and offshore engineering industry.”

Youngchang Son, Head of Product Strategy and Technology at Hanwha Ocean, commented, “The Ocean Convergence Technology Research Center will go beyond conventional industry–academia collaboration and serve as a forward base for a ‘research ecosystem’ that breaks down boundaries between engineering disciplines to create new value. Centered on naval architecture and ocean engineering, we will foster an environment where various advanced technologies are organically integrated, systematically building the core capabilities needed to lead future industries.”