In a landmark development for the U.S. maritime industry, Hanwha Shipping, the U.S. arm of Hanwha Ocean, has confirmed an order for 10 medium-range (MR) oil and chemical tankers to be built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard. The first of these vessels is expected to be delivered by early 2029. This deal represents the largest commercial ship order placed in the United States in over two decades, as well as the most valuable order ever secured by a U.S. shipyard.
Alongside this agreement, Hanwha Shipping has also moved forward with an option to purchase a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, underscoring the company’s role in expanding U.S. LNG export capacity. With this order, the U.S. LNG carrier book has reached its highest point since the 1970s, marking a significant step in revitalising American participation in the global LNG market.
The MR tankers are being designed to carry a range of cargo, including crude oil, refined petroleum, and chemical products. Their addition will expand the Jones Act fleet, composed of U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-operated vessels, and strengthen the maritime supply chain that underpins both domestic commerce and national defence.
“We are able to order these U.S.-made MR tankers because of Hanwha’s investment in building a world-class shipyard in Philadelphia. Hanwha has made a long-term commitment to bringing cutting-edge technology from Korea to the Hanwha Philly Shipyard that will create thousands of good, advanced manufacturing jobs in the United States and spearhead the revitalisation of America’s maritime industrial base.”
Ryan Lynch, President & CEO of Hanwha Shipping Houston.
Uniquely positioned with shipbuilding operations in both Korea and the United States, Hanwha is transferring advanced processes, supply chains, and technology to its Philadelphia facility. This approach aims to elevate Hanwha Philly Shipyard into a globally competitive player in next-generation shipbuilding.
The LNG carriers, jointly constructed by Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Philly Shipyard, will serve U.S. allies and partners by ensuring secure and efficient LNG transport. Beyond meeting growing energy demands, these vessels highlight the ability of U.S. shipbuilders to re-enter the global export market with competitive, high-value projects.
Hanwha Shipping has made clear its intention to position these new builds as strategic assets for U.S. energy security and industrial competitiveness. By advancing shipbuilding capacity, the company is also helping to reinforce U.S. leadership in global energy logistics at a time when supply chains face mounting geopolitical and economic pressures.
This milestone follows Hanwha’s $100 million acquisition of Philly Shipyard in December. Since then, the company has invested heavily in workforce development, digital systems, and modernised shipyard infrastructure to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity and create thousands of new skilled jobs.
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