Hanwha Ocean and Thordon Bearings team up on naval business

Submarine design and construction firm, Hanwha Ocean, and Thordon Bearings, a specialist in polymer propeller shafts, rudders, and other bearings, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Program (CPSP) and other projects.

The CPSP is one of the largest submarine procurement initiatives and Hanwha Ocean has been selected as  one of its two qualified suppliers. Subject to award of the CPSP, the South Korean company plans to provide in-country support to assist in submarine fleet development.

Thordon has supplied oil-free bearing systems to over 50 navies and Coast Guards around the world. Its polymer bearings do not require oil or grease, reduce maintenance, and cut pollution risk. The company’s bearings are already fitted to the Royal Canadian Navy’s twelve Halifax-class frigates as well as offshore patrol ships and Coast Guard vessels.

Thordon Bearings’ CEO, Anna Galoni, said: “Through this MoU, we hope to explore how Thordon’s Canadian-made, proven bearings can work with Hanwha Ocean’s leading submarine and shipbuilding global performance record with the objective to strengthen sovereign defence industrial capability. Cooperating with a world-class shipbuilder like Hanwha Ocean, Thordon can provide a domestic solution that avoids procurement from overseas and offers the potential for future sales to other foreign navies through Hanwha Ocean.”