Global maritime defense companies have come to South Korea to explore cooperation with K-shipbuilding and the maritime defense industry. As global security uncertainties increase, investments in maritime security are rising, creating more opportunities for domestic companies in specialized vessels and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sectors, as well as unmanned maritime technologies.
According to industry sources on June 29, KOTRA hosted the global maritime technology and defense industry conference and export consultation, Be-CON 2026, in collaboration with Gabler Korea on June 26 at Signiel Busan. The event attracted over 200 representatives from more than 60 domestic and international companies and institutions, including navies, defense firms, shipyards, research organizations, and investment agencies.
The event featured participation from over 20 domestic maritime defense companies and seven firms from the Gabler Group and its partners. Representatives from Canadian, German, Australian, and European Union investment agencies, as well as officials from foreign chambers of commerce based in South Korea, also attended, showing interest in the K-shipbuilding and maritime industry.
The Gabler Group is a maritime technology company with experience in submarine projects for navies in 30 countries. It supplies key submarine equipment, including masts, hydraulic systems, underwater communication, and underwater battery systems. Recently, it has been pursuing collaboration with Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries for submarine MRO and next-generation submarine development.
KOTRA has been identifying domestic equipment companies that can connect with Gabler Group's global projects through its Hamburg Trade Office in Germany. This visit aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises in South Korea in entering the global maritime defense supply chain.
The event featured a conference and one-on-one technical cooperation consultations under the theme of "Connection and Convergence." Discussions at the conference included maritime security and defense technologies, future maritime mobility, sustainable maritime technologies, and global cooperation and investment strategies.
During the consultations, 21 domestic companies discussed possibilities for joint research and development and global project cooperation with the Gabler Group and its affiliates and partners. Global defense companies, including Verteng Invironix, which specializes in chemical and biological monitoring systems for naval vessels, also explored procurement and joint development options with domestic ICT-based companies.
Industry experts note that demand for MRO of naval vessels, unmanned surface vehicles, and underwater surveillance systems is increasing, particularly in the United States and Europe. This trend is expected to expand export opportunities for domestic equipment companies equipped with shipbuilding capabilities, sensors, communications, batteries, and autonomous navigation solutions.
At the event, discussions also advanced regarding a memorandum of understanding for joint execution of global special vessel projects. Park Byeol-teo, CEO of Seadronix, an AI autonomous navigation solutions company, stated, "As the status of K-shipbuilding rises, we have created an opportunity for global shipbuilding companies that were previously hard to meet to come to South Korea for consultations. We aim to make this year a foundational year for joint development with global partners and building local networks."
Kim Ja-dong, CEO of Gabler Korea, remarked, "Korean companies are recognized as attractive partners in the global defense market due to their manufacturing competitiveness and rapid technology commercialization capabilities. We plan to establish strategic supply chains with Korean technology firms and jointly enter the global defense market."
Kim Kwan-mook, Vice President of KOTRA and Head of the Economic and Trade Cooperation Division, stated, "As the global shipbuilding and maritime market diversifies around special vessels and MRO, opportunities for K-shipbuilding and maritime equipment companies with new technologies to expand overseas are increasing. We will proactively identify global maritime and defense demands and actively support partnerships with domestic small and medium-sized enterprises."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.