ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems - Naval Ship and Systems Engineering

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is a leading system provider in high-tech naval shipbuilding. The naval surface vessels, submarines and maritime defense equipment designed and built by TKMS Naval, HDW and Kockums, three renowned shipbuilding companies of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, are widely acknowledged for their superior technological excellence, reliability and longevity.

The TKMS reference list of cutting edge surface ships includes the Class 123, 124 and 125 frigates for the German Navy, a sizeable fleet of MEKO class OPVs, corvettes and frigates, VISBY stealth corvettes as well as the highly dependable MCMV 36 and SAM 3 minesweepers.

Beneath the sea, HDW and Kockums map the way for navies operating non-nuclear submarines with the famous Class 209, 212A and 214, as well as with the Gotland and Collins Class boats. They are the only shipyards providing mission proven AIP technology.

Ships. Systems. Solutions. Worldwide.

Naval systems engineering for ship design and construction

The development of the MEKO® design concept by TKMS in the 1970s introduced weapon and electronics system modularity with interface standards for the first time in naval shipbuilding. MEKO, the brand name, is derived from the German acronym for multi-purpose combination. It stands for modular ship design and construction, signature reduction and unmatched enhanced survivability.

The MEKO mission modularity concept was developed to enable navies to tailor payloads according to operational needs. Thus standardised mission modules in 20ft standard ISO containers, which can be rotated between ships, reduce the number of required systems, and cut procurement and maintenance costs.

TKMS provides full customer choice flexibility for any combination of combat systems, from any supplier. In short, MEKO® covers:

• Consoles / containers
• CIWS / small guns
• Trackers
• Radars
• Launchers
• Main guns

Multi-purpose frigates for navy fleets

On the basis of MEKO technology, 49 frigates have been delivered successfully to 11 customers in the last 30 years.

The MEKO 200 frigate is the most successful MEKO design and has been built 23 times by TKMS, as well as abroad. These multi-purpose frigates are still the reliable backbone of their fleets and have proven their robustness and operational value in more than 20 years of service.

Corvettes with full combat systems

TKMS has designed a family of MEKO corvettes ranging from 1,500t to 2,500t. The design pedigree originates from the proven 91m/1,650t MEKO 100, operated by the Royal Malaysian Navy, as well as the Class 130 corvettes of the German Navy. These corvettes are highly manoeuvrable warships with full combat systems and state-of-the-art platforms that include elements of the MEKO technology.

Ship building services for the German Navy

The German Navy has been a traditional customer for TKMS for decades. Four new Class 125 frigates of 7,200t are under construction. They have been designed in response to the increasing demand for enhanced capabilities required for stabilisation, peacekeeping, peace enforcement and humanitarian operations, and for overseas deployments of up to two years.

Currently the youngest members participating in the German Navy's fleet of internationally operating naval vessels are the airdefence 5,690t Class 124 frigates.

Furthermore, five Class 130 corvettes were built by TKMS. Their primary tasks are reconnaissance, surface targeting, engagement, humanitarian missions, the counter of asymmetric threats and operation, mainly in the littorals.

Multi-role vessels and auxiliaries

TKMS's multi-role vessels of 4,000t - 20,000t are the answer to affordable, flexible solutions for military, expeditionary, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The vessels can be outfitted for command and control operations, can carry up to 11 helicopters, can have optional self-defence capabilities and are ideally suited for amphibious missions by providing a dock. They offer variable accommodations for more than 800 personnel / troops, large capacity hospitals, and / or emergency accommodation for refugees / victims.

Naval auxiliaries have been a part of the TKMS portfolio for over five decades. The Germany Navy has recently acquired two Berlin-Class fleet auxiliary vessels. The 173m / 20,000t vessels accommodate over 230 persons, 84 standard ISO containers, 8,500t of liquid and 14,500t of dry cargo. They are fitted with replenishment-at-sea systems, host two helicopters, have in-flight refuelling capabilities, operate two 24t cranes and have an array of 14 medium and small calibre self-defence weapons.

Comprehensive naval services

TKMS services do not end with the delivery ceremony. In fact, working for and with our customers starts long before a contract is signed, and may conclude after decommissioning a vessel. TKMS offers a wide array of comprehensive naval services and support. These include:

• Prime contractorship / programme management
• Lifecycle / in service support / after sales services
• Integrated logistic support
• Shipyard consulting
• Technology transfer / local production
• Financing / offset
• Design and system engineering
• Training