Canada’s next-generation submarine ambitions are increasingly taking shape not just through platform discussions, but through the infrastructure required to sustain them. In Ottawa, Hanwha Ocean and PCL Construction have taken a significant step in that direction, formalizing their collaboration with a new Teaming Agreement focused on submarine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year, marking a shift toward a more structured and integrated partnership between the two organizations. At its core is a shared objective: to help establish the infrastructure that will underpin Canada’s long-term submarine sustainment capability.
Central to that vision is the development of MRO facilities on both coasts—specifically in Esquimalt, British Columbia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. These facilities are widely recognized as essential to enabling Canada to operate and maintain a future submarine fleet over decades, ensuring readiness while reinforcing sovereign control over critical capabilities.
For PCL Construction, one of Canada’s leading infrastructure firms, the agreement highlights the role domestic industry is expected to play in delivering these capabilities. With a track record of executing major projects for the Government of Canada, the Department of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed Forces, PCL brings established supply chains, a skilled workforce, and experience navigating complex national programs.
Hanwha Ocean, meanwhile, contributes deep expertise in submarine design, construction, and sustainment. Drawing on decades of experience in naval programs, the company brings proven capabilities in integrating complex systems and supporting lifecycle operations—an increasingly critical requirement as Canada looks to build not just platforms, but enduring sustainment ecosystems.
Together, the two companies are aligning their strengths across design, engineering, construction, and supply chain coordination. The collaboration reflects a broader shift in defence procurement and industrial strategy—one that pairs international technical expertise with domestic execution to deliver long-term, sovereign capability.
“In partnership with PCL Construction, Hanwha is committed to building the critical infrastructure at the core of Canada’s sovereign submarine ISS capability. By combining Hanwha’s real-world submarine ISS facility operations and know-how with PCL’s world-class construction expertise, we will deliver a lasting, Canada-led foundation built to sustain sovereign submarine operations for generations to come,” assured VAdm (Ret.) Steve Jeong, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Naval Ship International Business, Hanwha Ocean.
“PCL Construction is proud to expand our relationship with Hanwha Ocean as we collaborate on the planning and construction of infrastructure supporting the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. We bring extensive experience partnering with the Government of Canada, the Department of National Defence, and the Canadian Armed Forces on projects across the country. We believe PCL’s expertise and collaborative approach will be a strong asset to the Hanwha Ocean team in delivering this critical national initiative,” stated Mike Wieninger, Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Operations, PCL Construction.
As CPSP continues to evolve, partnerships like this one signal how Canada may approach the challenge ahead—building not only a fleet, but the industrial and infrastructure backbone required to sustain it for generations.