The list of collaborations at TKMS is getting longer. Now it’s about the important raw material lithium and critical minerals – and this time it could extend to other industrial projects.
The Kiel-based shipbuilder TKMS has signed an agreement with “development company” E3 Lithium in the context of the Canadian Submarine Program (CPSP). The companies want to create a “strategic framework” for the joint support of Canada’s future submarine capacities, as has now been made public.
The cooperation agreement forms the basis “for collaboration on research, technology transfer and investment initiatives of mutual interest”, according to the statement. The aim is to integrate critical minerals from Canada into the supply chain for submarines, which should benefit both Canadian industry and international export markets.
“The CPSP is a cornerstone of Canada’s naval forces – and critical minerals are essential to the technology that will power the submarines of tomorrow,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS. “By entering into this agreement with E3 Lithium, we are not only securing access to a sustainable supply of lithium, but also strengthening the industrial partnership between Germany and Canada. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term capacity development.”
For the now listed shipbuilder TKMS, the “Submarines for Canada” project is thus increasingly developing into an extensive collaboration. In recent weeks and months, several collaborations have already been agreed with Canadian companies. These include names such as Seaspan Shipyards, Ellisdon, Cohere (for the integration of artificial intelligence) and the training specialist CAE.
And now E3 Lithium, the company with the largest lithium resource in the country. As part of the new agreement, opportunities are now to be explored to use Canada’s lithium production for strategic applications. E3’s Clearwater project, a direct lithium extraction facility, is expected to produce up to 36,000 tons of battery-grade lithium per year at full capacity, providing potential supply to German and allied industrial customers. E3 Lithium will contribute its extensive expertise in lithium resource development, extraction technology and processing to help create a robust supply chain that can support both Canada’s submarine program and potential international opportunities.
According to the parties, the collaboration agreement also lays the groundwork for exploring further cooperation on international projects that integrate critical minerals into advanced technology platforms, “leveraging TKMS’ global marine portfolio and E3’s leadership in the Canadian lithium sector.”
“The partnership with TKMS allows us to connect Canada’s critical minerals industry to strategic global markets while supporting a transformative national defense program.
support a transformative national defense program,” says CEO Chris Doornbos. “This agreement is an important step in leveraging Canada’s lithium resources to create sustainable economic value, drive technology transfer and strengthen industrial relationships with Germany and allied nations.”
