Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the world’s biggest shipbuilder, announced today it launched its second minelayer MLS-II Nampo for the Korean Navy.

The launching ceremony of the MLS-II was attended by Mr. Baek Seung-joo, Vice Minister of National Defense of Republic of Korea; Mr. Kwon Oh-gap, President & CEO of HHI; and 100 other guests.

The MLS-II Nampo is both HHI and Korea’s second minelayer following MLS-560 Wonsan that was delivered in 1997 and are currently in operation. The MLS-II Nampo which can carry 120 crew measures 114 m in length, 17 m in width and 28 m in depth with a displacement of 3,000 tons.

The next-generation stealth minelayer is specially built to lay a large number of mines precisely at the designated spots in a short period of time. The MLS-II Nampo is scheduled to be delivered to the Korean Navy by October 2016 after outfitting work, sea trials and final inspections.

HHI has been playing a key role in strengthening the defense capabilities of the Korean Navy by delivering a total of 71 naval ships including 12 frigates/patrol ships, 3 destroyers, 3 submarines, and 2 Aegis destroyers.