South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has appointed Philippe Levy, the former president of SBM Offshore Americas, as the president of its offshore business division.
The shipbuilder, previously known as DSME, said Levy’s appointment is effective April 1.
This marks a “pivotal moment” for the company as it embarks on a journey to transition from a traditional shipbuilder to an EPCIO (engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and operation) solution provider, offering products such as FPSO, FLNG, offshore renewables and other floating production units, the firm said.
With 25 years of experience at SBM Offshore, Levy not only has an executive leadership experience as the president of SBM Offshore Americas division since 2020, but also has experience as executive advisor for CNOOC in Guyana, during which he advised ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC on execution strategies for FPSO and LNG development, it said.
Levy’s appointment “underscores Hanwha Ocean’s commitment to becoming a leading EPCI(O) solution provider in the maritime industry.”
“Hanwha Oceans’ Offshore business division, currently headquartered in Seoul, Korea, recently expanded its global footprint by establishing new global business centers in North America and Europe with intention of becoming a project-centric and client-driven business organization,” the shipbuilder said.
Last year, Hanwha Ocean changed its name after conglomerate Hanwha Group bought a controlling stake in the shipbuilder.
Hanwha Ocean won orders for five LNG carriers in 2023. Prior to that, the shipbuilder secured orders for 38 LNG carriers, setting a record for the largest number of orders for LNG carriers in a year since its establishment.
Hanwha recently secured an LNG carrier order worth about $1.84 billion as part of the second QatarEnergy’s massive shipbuilding program.
Qatar’s Nakilat will own these vessels and charter them to QatarEnergy.
QatarEnergy also announced on Sunday that Hanwha Ocean will build four new LNG carriers under the second phase of the program.
A joint venture of Japan’s K Line and South Korea’s Hyundai Glovis will own these vessels.