Hanwha Ocean likely to win 7.8 tln-won project to build next-generation destroyers: sources

SEOUL, June 11 (Yonhap) -- Hanwha Ocean Co. is widely expected to be named for the country's next-generation Navy destroyer project, worth 7.8 trillion won (US$5.1 billion), beating its rival HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., industry sources said Thursday.

Earlier this year, the two shipyards were shortlisted as candidates to lead the Korea Destroyer Next Generation project aimed at building six warships with homegrown technologies.

The envisioned 6,000-ton-class Aegis destroyers are expected to become the Navy's future strategic asset, which could match its most powerful Aegis destroyer, the 7,100-ton King Sejong the Great.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration is expected to announce the preferred bidder for the project soon.

An image of South Korea's next-generation destroyer project provided by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)