The University of Toronto is partnering with South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean to boost homegrown innovation, hands-on research and job training and maritime security.
The memorandum of understanding establishes co-operation in areas including smart maritime systems, optimized maritime vessel staffing and Arctic-capable maritime technologies.
"Partnering with Hanwha Ocean allows us to connect leading-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence and advanced systems engineering with real-world maritime applications," said Illan Kramer, U of T's director of international partnerships.
"These collaborations strengthen Canada's innovation ecosystem while preparing students to contribute to complex global engineering programs."
U of T was one of three Canadian universities to sign agreements with the South Korean firm alongside the University of New Brunswick and Dalhousie University. The announcement was made March 5 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa at an event that brought together Canadian industry leaders, universities, government stakeholders, and international defence partners.
The partnerships are part of Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project , with Hanwha representing one of two bidders for the contract to replace the country's aging fleet of subs. They align with the federal government's Buy Canadian policy and its Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) framework, which incentivizes foreign defence contractors to invest back into the Canadian economy as part of major procurement contracts.
For U of T researchers, the agreement with Hanwha offers a chance to tackle real-world problems with direct implications for Canadian sovereignty - from maritime security to Arctic capability - while training the next generation of experts in areas that matter to the country's long-term independence. It's one of many U of T partnerships that leverage the university's research capabilities to drive innovation in areas that bolster Canadian sovereignty and defence .
One example of a potential U of T-Hanwha project involves creating digital "twins" of maritime vessels to improve energy modelling, reliability and predictive maintenance.
"Through these agreements, we are strengthening domestic capabilities, supporting regional economic development, and helping build a future-ready Canadian defence workforce," said Glenn Copeland, CEO of Hanwha Defence Canada.
"By combining Canada's advanced technologies with Korea's proven submarine manufacturing expertise, we believe we can deliver a solution aligned with Canada's national interests."
In addition to the university agreements, Hanwha Ocean also signed five industry teaming agreements with companies in Ontario and Atlantic Canada.
