MONTREAL — Engineering and project management firm AtkinsRealis has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean. The agreement is focused on supporting Canada's future submarine program, as the country seeks to replace its aging Victoria-class fleet.
The MOU, announced on April 15, 2026, establishes a framework for the companies to collaborate on the design, engineering, and project management aspects of the submarine program. Hanwha Ocean is a contender to build the new submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy.
AtkinsRealis stated the partnership would leverage its expertise in large-scale, complex program delivery in Canada. The company has a long history of supporting Canada's defense sector, including work on the current submarine fleet. Hanwha Ocean brings advanced naval shipbuilding technology from its South Korean operations.
The Canadian government has not yet selected a builder or finalized the specifications for its new submarine fleet, a multi-billion dollar project expected to be a cornerstone of national defense strategy for decades.
