▲ This photo, provided by the Navy, shows the 7,600-ton ROKS Sejong the Great, on Aug. 28, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) -- The Navy said Friday it has signed a deal with Hanwha Ocean Co. to entrust the depot-level maintenance of its 7,600-ton Aegis destroyer in an effort to focus on combat-related missions.

Under the agreement, Hanwha Ocean will carry out depot maintenance on the ROKS Sejong the Great from September through March next year, according to the Navy.

It would mark the first time that the Navy has outsourced the overall maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of a surface warship to a private company.

Depot maintenance refers to an extensive overhaul under which a ship is disassembled and aging components are replaced to ensure stable performance.

The move comes as the Navy aims to focus more on combat-related missions by reducing the burden of maintenance for Navy personnel and improve maintenance efficiency.

The Navy also plans to upgrade the accommodation facilities aboard the warship, including crew sleeping quarters and washrooms, to improve working conditions.

With the latest agreement, the Navy expects maintenance work to be carried out in coordination with shipyards and benefit small and medium-sized MRO companies taking part in the project, it said.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]