German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has placed an initial order with Valbruna ASW, a producer of specialty stainless steels and nickel alloys, for around 70 tonnes of non-magnetic steel intended for submarine platforms.
The order is designed to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), which aims to modernise Canada’s submarine fleet.
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The supply and associated testing processes are aimed at facilitating the Canadian division’s approval procedures for non-magnetic submarine steel, in line with the standards set by the German Institute for Defence Materials and Production Technology (WIWeB).
Meeting these requirements is essential for deployment in advanced submarine programmes.
In addition to the steel order, TKMS and Valbruna ASW have entered into a cooperation agreement focused on strengthening their industrial collaboration, particularly in the field of advanced submarine technologies.
The agreement enables both companies to jointly examine and develop solutions for the melting and production of non-magnetic submarine steel required for modern submarine platforms.
TKMS chief sales officer Thomas Keupp said: “TKMS values strong partnerships with leading industrial suppliers capable of meeting the demanding material requirements of next-generation submarine platforms.
“Through this agreement with Valbruna ASW, we are strengthening our collaboration on critical submarine-grade materials while exploring opportunities to support Canada’s future submarine programme.”
As part of the collaboration, both parties will work on the qualification process for Valbruna ASW to manufacture this specialised steel grade in accordance with international naval standards.
This process will address technical specifications set by WIWeB and the classification body DNV, as well as compliance with Construction Regulations 1050 for German Navy Ships introduced by the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement.
Valbruna ASW general manager Tiziano Briozzo said: “We are confident that, by signing the MoU, we can expand our trusted partnership with TKMS from the European level to a global one, bringing our combined expertise and progress in collaboration to the benefit of the CPSP.
“Furthermore, we are actively working to intensify our collaboration on submarine grade steel production, with the aim of establishing that capability in Canada over the long term.”
TKMS is one of the two companies shortlisted for the CPSP in August last year, alongside South Korean firm Hanwha Ocean.
Earlier this year, Hanwha Ocean entered into a memorandum of understanding with Canadian firm Algoma Steel, pledging up to $250m to develop local steel production facilities, including those intended to meet CPSP requirements.
