The Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC and the French Naval Group have signed a partnership agreement for the Dutch submarine replacement program (RNSC).
This involves the construction of new Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy. Building on a partnership that began in 2018, Naval Group and Royal IHC intend to combine their “complementary experience and expertise” in the development and manufacture of complex maritime and military systems, according to a statement.
Under the contract, Royal IHC will contribute its expertise in steel construction and modular design to the RNSC program and support the delivery of four new-generation conventionally powered submarines to replace the current Walrus-class submarines.
The French state-owned shipbuilder, on the other hand, emphasized that “by partnering with a Dutch market leader in complex shipbuilding”, it is strengthening the basis for long-term national autonomy in submarine maintenance and future upgrades, while promoting closer cooperation and knowledge sharing between the Dutch and French naval industries.
Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC, said: “We are proud to make a high-tech contribution to this strategic project. This order underlines the confidence in the quality and know-how of Royal IHC. We also congratulate all other Dutch partners playing a role in this program. The choice for a strong Dutch industrial participation is essential for the preservation and further development of our knowledge base, employment and economic strength.”
