Algoma Steel and Hanwha Ocean Sign Binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Long-term Strategic Arrangement supporting Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Rhea-AI Summary
Algoma Steel (NASDAQ: ASTL) and Hanwha Ocean signed a binding MOU on Jan 26, 2026 to pursue a long-term strategic arrangement supporting Canada’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
The arrangement has an aggregate potential value of USD $250 million comprised of a USD $200 million cash contribution toward a proposed structural steel beam mill in Sault Ste. Marie and up to USD $50 million in anticipated Algoma product purchases for CPSP construction and MRO. The MOU is conditional on Hanwha Ocean receiving and executing a CPSP contract and on definitive agreements with Algoma. Algoma would pay Hanwha 3.0% of beam-mill net sales annually for ten years, subject to performance.
Positive
- Potential USD $200M cash contribution toward a beam mill
- Anticipated USD $50M of Algoma product purchases
- Supports domestic supply for CPSP and Canadian industrial sovereignty
- Ten-year commercial link providing recurring industry revenue potential
Negative
- Arrangement is conditional on Hanwha winning and contracting the CPSP
- Algoma must pay 3.0% of beam-mill net sales annually for ten years
- Beam mill project is not guaranteed and requires definitive agreements
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, ASTL declined 5.51%, reflecting a notable negative market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +23.8% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 29 alerts that day, indicating elevated trading interest and price volatility. This price movement removed approximately $29M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $490M at that time. Trading volume was above average at 1.8x the daily average, suggesting increased trading activity.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
ASTL gained 3.65% while steel peers like ZEUS (-2.38%), MSB (-2.34%), and MTUS (-1.28%) were down, pointing to stock-specific strength tied to the defense MOU.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 08 | Quarter guidance | Negative | +0.2% | Negative EBITDA guidance tied to tariffs and blast furnace wind-down. |
| Nov 17 | Govt financing | Positive | -2.5% | $500M government-backed financing to support EAF transformation and liquidity. |
| Oct 29 | Leadership transition | Neutral | -0.2% | Planned CEO succession aligned with progress on EAF-driven transformation. |
| Oct 29 | Earnings report | Negative | -0.2% | Q3 loss driven by large non-cash impairment and trade headwinds. |
| Oct 20 | Earnings notice | Neutral | +5.3% | Announcement of upcoming Q3 2025 results and conference call schedule. |
Recent news often saw modest or negative price reactions, even to supportive financing and strategic updates, suggesting mixed market confidence around Algoma’s transition and capital structure.
Over the last few months, Algoma has focused on its Electric Arc Furnace transition and liquidity. On Oct 20, 2025, it scheduled Q3 2025 results, followed by a substantial $523.9M revenue report and a large $485.1M net loss on Oct 29, 2025. The same day, leadership transition plans were announced. On Nov 17, 2025, Algoma completed $500M in government financing. On Jan 8, 2026, guidance highlighted negative adjusted EBITDA and EAF ramp-up. Today’s defense-focused MOU fits the broader diversification and transformation narrative.
Market Pulse Summary
The stock moved -5.5% in the session following this news. A negative reaction despite this strategic MOU would contrast with its potential USD $250 million scope and alignment with diversification goals. Historically, Algoma’s news flow around EAF progress and government financing, including a $500M package, has seen modest price responses or divergences. A sharp decline could reflect continued skepticism about execution risk, capital intensity, or delayed benefits from large-scale industrial projects.
Key Terms
memorandum of understanding technical
maintenance, repair and overhaul technical
industrial and technological benefits regulatory
electric arc furnace technical
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
- Algoma Steel and Hanwha Ocean align to underpin Canada’s future submarine program with Canadian steelmaking capability and Canadian workers, supporting long-term naval readiness and industrial sovereignty
- Hanwha Ocean to provide Algoma with up to USD
$250 million (approx. CAD$345 million ) as support for advancing Algoma’s diversification strategy and domestic supply for Canadian defense procurement
SAULT STE. MARIE, Ontario, Jan. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Algoma Steel Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTL; TSX: ASTL) (“Algoma” or “the Company”), a leading Canadian producer of hot and cold rolled steel sheet and plate products, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Algoma Steel Inc., has entered into a binding memorandum of understanding with Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd.. Canada’s future submarine program could soon be supported by Canadian steel, Canadian workers, and Canadian industrial expertise under a new long-term strategic arrangement.
The two companies have entered into a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term strategic arrangement with an aggregate potential value of USD
The strategic arrangement is intended to strengthen Canada’s domestic industrial base while supporting the long-term operational needs of the Royal Canadian Navy. If the contemplated beam mill project goes ahead, the operation would support the creation of new skilled, long-term Canadian jobs.
The MOU is subject to Hanwha Ocean being awarded and entering into an effective contract under the CPSP and the execution of definitive agreements with Algoma. The MOU also provides that Algoma will be required to make annual payments to Hanwha Ocean for ten years following the commencement of operations of the beam facility equal to
This arrangement demonstrates Canada’s Buy Canadian policy at work, ensuring that construction and sustainment activities are rooted in domestic supply chains and supporting industrial sovereignty, supply-chain resilience, and high-quality Canadian jobs in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Hee Cheul Kim, President & CEO of Hanwha Ocean, said: “This partnership is about working side by side with Algoma as a leading Canadian steelmaker to build something lasting. By anchoring steel production, infrastructure, and long-term sustainment in Canada, we are committed to strengthening Canada’s industrial resilience and supporting a submarine capability that Canadians can rely on today and for generations.”
Rajat Marwah, CEO of Algoma Steel, said: “As we usher in a new era for Algoma with electric arc furnace steelmaking and modernized finishing capabilities, this strategic arrangement with Hanwha Ocean represents a foundational step forward in our diversification strategy. It reinforces our focus on becoming Canada’s leading sustainable steelmaker, aligned with the country’s nation-building priorities in defense and infrastructure. We also recognize and applaud the Government of Canada’s support for policies that strengthen domestic manufacturing, supply-chain resilience, and long-term industrial capability.”
About Hanwha Ocean
Hanwha Ocean is a leading global shipbuilder with more than four decades of experience in complex naval and commercial shipbuilding programmes. Supported by its large-scale, integrated shipyard in Geoje, South Korea, the company combines proven industrial capacity with operational experience to deliver modern, in-service naval platforms backed by a resilient through-life support model.
Since its establishment in 1973, Hanwha Ocean has delivered more than 1,400 vessels worldwide, and has built deep expertise in the design, construction, and sustainment of submarines and surface combatants for the Republic of Korea Navy. Hanwha Ocean’s shipyards cover an area of approximately 5,000,000 m², employ around 31,000 people, and build approximately 45 commercial and naval ships each year.
For more information about Hanwha Ocean and the KSS-III submarine, please visit: https://kss-iii.ca/
About Algoma Steel
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Algoma Steel is a leading Canadian producer of high-quality plate and sheet steel products, proudly supporting critical sectors including energy, defense, automotive, shipbuilding, and infrastructure. Guided by a purpose to build better lives and a greener future, Algoma is shaping the next generation of sustainable steelmaking in Canada.
With the transition to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking and a modernized plate mill, Algoma is redefining how steel is made in Canada. Powered by Ontario’s clean electricity grid, this transformation represents one of the largest industrial decarbonization initiatives in North America and is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately
This new chapter also introduces Volta™, the brand for all steel produced through Algoma’s EAF technology. Volta delivers the same trusted performance customers rely on, with significantly lower emissions—produced safely, sustainably, and proudly in Canada.
Building on more than a century of steelmaking expertise, Algoma continues to invest in its people, processes, and technologies to strengthen domestic supply chains and deliver responsible, Canadian-made steel that helps build a better tomorrow.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains “forward-looking information” under applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, “forward-looking statements”), including statements regarding the proposed long-term strategic partnership with Hanwha Ocean and its expected terms and benefits, including the anticipated timing, amount, and structure of any cash contributions or procurement commitments, the proposed construction of a new structural beam production facility and the associated job creation potential, Algoma’s future performance and position, Algoma’s transformation to modernize its plate mill and adopt EAF technology, and Algoma’s journey to become one of North America’s leading producers of green steel, deliver greater value, and offer North America the comfort of a secure steel supply and a sustainable future. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “design,” “pipeline,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation: the risk that conditions precedent to the proposed arrangement are not satisfied; the risk that Hanwha Ocean is not awarded or does not enter into an effective contract under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project; the risk that definitive agreements are not executed on the anticipated terms or at all; the risk that required internal, third-party, regulatory, governmental, or board approvals are not obtained; and the risk that anticipated cash contributions, procurement commitments, or other economic benefits are delayed, reduced, restructured, or do not materialize. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. Readers should consider the risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information” in Algoma’s annual information form, filed by Algoma with the Ontario Securities Commission (the “OSC”) (available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (available at www.sec.gov) as part of its annual report on Form 40-F, as well as in Algoma’s quarterly and current reports filed with the OSC and SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Algoma assumes no obligation, and does not intend, to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Devoni
Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Affairs
Tel: 1.705.255.1202
E-mail: communications@algoma.com
FAQ
What did Algoma (ASTL) and Hanwha Ocean announce on January 26, 2026?
How much cash will Hanwha Ocean provide Algoma for the proposed beam mill?
Is the Algoma–Hanwha MOU binding and are there conditions?
What ongoing payments are included between Algoma and Hanwha if the beam mill opens?
How does the agreement affect Algoma’s role in Canadian defense supply chains (ASTL)?
