Lloyd’s Register awards its first submarine AiP to Hanwha Ocean
The move reflects the growing role of independent assurance in naval procurement and export programmes.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded its first Approval in Principle (AiP) for an export submarine design to Hanwha Ocean.
The AiP has been issued for Hanwha Ocean’s independently developed 2,000 tonne export submarine platform, using LR’s Submarine Assurance Framework. It confirms that the concept design meets internationally recognised standards and provides early-stage assurance on safety, interoperability and design robustness.
LR’s Submarine Assurance Framework is designed to support navies and designers from concept through all stages of the submarine’s operational cycle, including life extension, by combining naval standards, classification expertise and a structured approach to risk.
For this project, LR assembled a global team of naval and submarine specialists to support the review, culminating in a technical workshop at Hanwha Ocean’s headquarters in Seoul.
The approval reflects how LR’s independent naval assurance supports shipbuilders in accessing the export market.
David Lloyd, Vice-President Naval and Government Business at Lloyd’s Register, said: “This AiP issued under our Submarine Assurance Framework demonstrates how independent, outcome-based assurance can help reduce technical risk and build confidence with customer navies.
“The approval underlines the growing role LR has in assurance in the defence sector and reinforces our position as a trusted adviser for complex naval programmes.”
Il-Hong Kim, Senior Vice President from Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Design Department said: “Achieving AiP for our 2,000‑ton submarine is a powerful confirmation of Hanwha Ocean’s world‑class submarine design capabilities.
“Working closely with Lloyd’s Register, we will continue delivering tailored solutions that meet diverse national requirements and strengthen the global presence of Korea’s naval defense industry.”
About Lloyd’s Register
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. We were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
Today we are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping our clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
We also provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation. Through OneOcean, LR delivers integrated digital solutions supporting voyage planning, optimisation, compliance, training and fleet performance across more than 30,000 vessels globally.
In the race to zero emissions, our research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.
www.lr.org
About Hanwha
Hanwha Ocean is a global leader in marine energy and shipbuilding, built on over 50 years of expertise since the establishment of Okpo Shipyard in 1973. The company has established strong competitiveness in both commercial and defense sectors, with particular leadership in submarines and surface combatants.
As one of the few shipbuilders capable of independently designing and constructing 3,000-ton class submarines, Hanwha Ocean integrates advanced Air-Independent Propulsion systems with lithium-ion batteries to deliver superior underwater endurance. It also develops next-generation frigates and destroyers equipped with advanced stealth and integrated combat systems.
In the naval sector, the company provides both shipbuilding and comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul services to support fleet readiness and strengthen global partnerships. Through Smart Yard–driven digital transformation and the development of hydrogen and ammonia propulsion and onboard carbon capture technologies, Hanwha Ocean is advancing toward carbon neutrality while enhancing operational efficiency.
https://www.hanwhaocean.com/
