Hanwha Ocean sold around $2 billion in dollar-won forward market, source says

Hanwha Ocean, a prominent South Korean shipbuilder, has reportedly sold around $2 billion in the dollar-won forward market, according to a source familiar with the matter. The transaction took place on Friday, with the source declining to be identified due to the sensitivity of the information.

The sale's timing is noteworthy as it coincides with efforts by South Korean policymakers to curb the weakness of the won currency. The won saw a slight appreciation, trading up 0.6 percent at 1,500.0 per dollar, following the Reuters report of Hanwha Ocean's transaction.

Earlier on the same day, Deputy Finance Minister Moon Ji-sung had indicated a positive outlook for the local currency. He suggested that supply-demand dynamics in the currency market were expected to shift favorably in the second half of 2026. Moon anticipated increased dollar inflows from exporters, potentially generated through foreign exchange forwards, which would support the won.

Hanwha Ocean itself was not immediately available to provide an official comment on the reported transaction. The company's significant involvement in the forward market suggests a strategic move potentially aimed at influencing currency stability or managing its own financial exposures.