Global marine technology company Gabler Korea and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA, President Kang Kyung-sung) co-hosted the global marine technology and defense industry conference and export consultation event “Be-CON 2026” at Signiel Busan on June 26. Held under the slogan “Be Connected, Be Convergent,” the event was attended by about 200 representatives from more than 60 domestic and overseas companies and institutions in the marine technology and defense sectors.

The event focused on supporting domestic marine technology and defense equipment companies in entering the global value chain (GVC) and in advancing into overseas projects. At the B2B technology cooperation consultation sessions, 21 Korean marine defense and ICT innovation companies discussed joint R&D and global project cooperation plans with the visiting Gabler Group, its affiliates, and seven partner companies.

On-site discussions were held on memoranda of understanding (MOUs) for joint implementation of global special-purpose vessel projects. In particular, overseas defense companies, including Bertin Environics, which possesses technological strength in advanced CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) surveillance systems for naval vessels, expressed interest in procuring marine equipment from Korean companies and engaging in joint research and development. Following its cooperation with Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in submarine MRO and next-generation submarine development, the Gabler Group also explored the potential for building strategic supply chains with Korean small and medium-sized equipment manufacturers.

Park Byeol-teo, CEO of Seedronix, who participated in the consultation sessions, stated, “It is meaningful that the changing status of K-shipbuilding has created an opportunity to negotiate directly with global companies,” adding, “This year will be the first year of joint development with global partners and the establishment of local networks.”

Gabler Korea CEO Kim Ja-dong said, “Korean companies possess manufacturing competitiveness and capabilities in technology commercialization, which gives them significant collaboration merits in the global market,” and added, “We will seek ways to enter the global defense market together by building strategic supply chains with domestic technology companies, while also contributing to strengthening the domestic marine industry ecosystem.”

Kim Kwan-mook, Executive Vice President of KOTRA and Head of the Economic and Trade Cooperation Headquarters, said, “As the global shipbuilding and marine market diversifies around special-purpose vessels and MRO, overseas expansion opportunities for Korean companies with technological capabilities are expanding,” and emphasized, “We will continue to identify global marine and defense demand and provide ongoing support for partnering with Korean companies.”

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