Korean Register (KR) is expanding its role in the naval sector, advancing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and pioneering new technologies to strengthen the competitiveness of Korea’s defense industry.

KR recently secured its first service contract with the Republic of Korea Navy Logistics Command for quality assurance of surface vessels in a naval MRO project. The contract covers surveys for the large transport vessel, Dokdo-class landing platform helicopter (LPH-I), including verification of material compliance, inspections of equipment disassembly and installation, and sea trial attendance. This marks the first case where an independent certification body has been formally engaged in surface vessel MRO quality assurance in Korea, setting a milestone for classification society-military technical cooperation.

Building on its track record in submarine overhaul quality inspections since 2021, KR has now expanded its scope from submarines to surface vessels through this latest contract, demonstrating its growing role in naval maintenance and quality assurance. KR will also apply its proprietary MRO platform, ‘NAVES Portal’, to the project, enabling more systematic and efficient quality management.

(MoU Signing Ceremony between KR and KODIC)

To further enhance efficiency and reliability in naval MRO, KR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the KODIC. The agreement outlines multiple areas of collaboration, including the establishment of joint frameworks for naval MRO, cooperation on quality assurance of shipbuilding equipment, mutual effort in government-supported R&D projects, information sharing on defense industry policies, and technical advisory. By combining KR’s internationally recognized inspection expertise with KODIC’s network of specialized small and medium-sized enterprises, both parties aim to drive innovation and strengthen Korea’s naval defense capabilities.

In addition to expanding MRO services, KR has successfully certified Korea’s first naval vessel built with high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a next-generation material with excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and recyclability. This certification under KR's "Guidelines for Polyethylene Material Vessels" establishes a comprehensive technical framework for HDPE vessel construction. This framework is expected to shorten construction periods, ensure reproducible quality, and broaden the application of HDPE to future small-scale and unmanned naval vessels.

KIM Sangsoo, Head of KR’s Naval Business Center, stated:
“Through close cooperation with the Navy Logistics Command and key industry partners, KR will continue to support quality innovation in naval MRO and contribute to developing the naval MRO industry as a strategic sector, while supporting next-generation naval vessels through our certification framework.