Ulstein and TKMS to collaborate on frigate development
TKMS and Ulstein Verft are collaborating on the next, advanced frigates for the Royal Norwegian Navy
(Source: Ulstein)
Germany’s thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Norwegian shipyard, Ulstein Verft, are to collaborate on the design and construction of five or six frigates for the Royal Norwegian Navy.
A letter of intent (LoI) was signed recently at the Undersea Defence Technology conference. Should the cooperation result in a contract award, the two companies will both benefit from a significant volume of work. The LoI specifies that latest marine technology from TKMS will be combined with the family-owned Ulstein’s shipbuilding expertise.
Norway’s 2024 Fleet Plan sets out requirements for five or six frigates to replace the Fridthof Nansen-class vessels. Potential candidates include the British Type 26, the German F127, the American Constellation-class, and the French FDI.
The F127 from TKMS is based on the MEKO A-400 design, a 20-year-old design which has been used in several different frigate classes with vessels built in various yards around the world. The German company is already involved with the Norwegian Navy in the construction of 212CD submarines.
Joachim Wacker, head of Product Sales & Product Strategy at TKMS, commented: “This agreement is a milestone in our commitment to the Norwegian industry. Ulstein is a world-class shipbuilder with deep roots in Norway, and together, we will create advanced and highly capable frigates that meet the needs of the Royal Norwegian Navy. We look forward to a successful cooperation that will extend far beyond this project."
Speaking for the Norwegian shipbuilder, managing director Lars Lühr Olsen, said: “thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has long traditions in designing and building naval ships, while Ulstein has long experience in commercial vessels with unique designs and solutions for demanding marine operations. Both companies have an industrial legacy from the shipbuilding industry in different markets related to ship design and ship construction, and are renowned for proven, advanced and outfitting-intensive vessels."
TKMS is a prominent builder of naval assets with 8,000 employees at three shipyards in Kiel, Wismar, and Itajaí (Brazil). The company is active as a systems supplier for submarines and naval surface vessels, maritime electronics and security technologies. Around 3,300 employees work at the Kiel site, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany.
