South Korean Shipyard Joins U.S. Navy Ship Repair Program

Why It Matters

The certification gives the U.S. Navy an allied, high‑capacity repair option, enhancing fleet readiness while opening a lucrative defense market for SK Oceanplant, signaling deeper U.S.–South Korea defense integration.

Key Takeaways

• SK Oceanplant earned US Navy Master Ship Repair Agreement.
• Certification follows successful NAVSUP port security assessment.
• Enables bidding on US warship maintenance contracts.
• Expands SK Oceanplant’s presence in global defense MRO market.
• Supports US Navy operations in regional waters via allied yard.

Pulse Analysis

The U.S. Navy’s decision to certify an allied shipyard reflects a broader shift toward supply‑chain resilience in defense logistics. By adding SK Oceanplant to its Master Ship Repair Agreement roster, the Navy diversifies its maintenance base beyond domestic yards, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring rapid turnaround for vessels operating in the Indo‑Pacific. This move also aligns with Washington’s strategy to deepen interoperability with South Korean defense partners, creating a trusted network of facilities that can respond to emerging threats.

SK Oceanplant brings substantial infrastructure to the table, including a 430‑meter ultra‑large floating dock capable of handling aircraft carriers and large commercial vessels. Its existing portfolio of over 30 commercial ship repairs and ongoing frigate construction demonstrates a proven track record in complex maritime projects. Access to U.S. Navy MRO contracts could boost the yard’s revenue streams by billions of dollars over the next decade, accelerating its transition from a regional shipbuilder to a global defense contractor. The certification also positions the firm to bid on future allied projects, leveraging its dual‑use capabilities across military and civilian sectors.

Industry analysts view the agreement as a catalyst for heightened competition among allied shipyards, prompting other nations to seek similar certifications. The partnership may spur joint technology development, especially in modular repair techniques and cyber‑secure shipyard operations. As geopolitical tensions rise in the Pacific, a robust, multinational maintenance network becomes a strategic asset, enabling allied navies to sustain forward‑deployed forces with minimal downtime. SK Oceanplant’s entry into this ecosystem underscores the growing importance of cross‑border collaboration in modern naval warfare.

South Korean shipyard joins U.S. Navy ship repair program

By Gu Min Chul · Feb 11 2026

Key Points

• South Korean shipbuilder SK Oceanplant signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy, gaining eligibility to conduct maintenance and repair of U.S. warships.

• The company secured certification after passing a U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command port security assessment, enabling participation in Navy MRO contracts.

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South Korean Firm SK Oceanplant Signs MSRA with U.S. Navy, Secures Warship MRO Eligibility

South Korean shipbuilder SK Oceanplant has signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy, securing eligibility to participate in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work for U.S. naval vessels, the company announced on February 10.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the MSRA is an official certification granted by the U.S. Navy to domestic and allied shipyards. Certified shipyards are qualified to take part in MRO projects for major naval vessels, including U.S. combat ships.

SK Oceanplant said it completed the final administrative procedures after successfully passing a port security assessment conducted last month by the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP). The agreement formally grants the company access to bid on and execute U.S. Navy ship maintenance contracts under the MSRA framework.

The MSRA program establishes technical, security, and operational standards that shipyards must meet to service U.S. Navy vessels. Once approved, shipyards are eligible to compete for maintenance and repair assignments for deployed ships operating in regional waters.

SK Oceanplant was designated as a defense contractor in the field of naval shipbuilding by the South Korean government in 2017. The company has delivered more than 30 vessels to the Republic of Korea Navy and the Korea Coast Guard.

The firm is currently constructing three follow‑on ships—Hull Nos. 2, 3, and 4—of the Navy’s latest Ulsan‑class Batch‑III frigate program. In addition, it operates a 430‑meter ultra‑large floating dock and conducts maintenance for more than 30 commercial vessels annually, including LNG carriers, very large crude carriers, and large container ships.

Kang Young‑gyu, President of SK Oceanplant, said in a statement, “The signing of the MSRA is not merely a certification but will become a strategic turning point for entry into the global defense industry network.” He added, “We will expand the scope of cooperation with the U.S. Navy and other major allied navies and accelerate our entry into the global MRO market.”