HD현대-한화오션, 태국 3兆 호위함 수주 격돌

[Anchor] HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean are competing fiercely for the contract to supply Thailand's next-generation frigates. Although the current project is worth 800 billion won, both companies are pouring all their efforts into it, as the scale could grow to 3 trillion won in the future and it represents an opportunity to solidify their position in the Southeast Asian market. Reporter Lee Soo-bin reports. [Reporter] HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean have gone head-to-head over the procurement of Thailand's next-generation frigates. This project involves the acquisition of one 4,000-ton class frigate, with a scale of approximately 800 billion won. Furthermore, as Thailand is considering the future procurement of additional vessels of the same class, the total market size could expand to up to 3 trillion won. Last April, both companies submitted their final proposals to the Thai Navy. The key evaluation criterion for this bid is localization policy. The Thai Navy has stipulated that at least 20% of the construction must be done locally and that technology must be transferred as conditions for the bid. Accordingly, the performance of the vessels themselves, as well as local cooperation systems and subsequent maintenance capabilities, are expected to be key issues determining the success or failure of this evaluation. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is emphasizing its position by highlighting its track record in the Philippine Navy modernization project. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has expanded its presence in the Southeast Asian market by exporting a total of 12 vessels, including frigates and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), through the Philippine Navy modernization project. It is reported that the company proposed an export-type frigate model for this project based on the ROKS Chungnam, which is currently operated by the Navy. Hanwha Ocean is highlighting its existing cooperative relationship with the Thai Navy. Based on the trust built through the successful delivery of vessels to the Thai Navy in 2018, Hanwha Ocean has presented a long-term roadmap for training local technical personnel and strengthening partnerships. The Thai Navy plans to announce the final contractor this month after completing the final selection process, including the review of proposals. The industry is focusing its attention on the results of this round, which will determine the leadership of future naval modernization projects in Southeast Asia. This is Lee Soo-bin from Seoul Economic TV. /[email protected] [Video Editing: Lee Han-eul]