Netherlands, Naval Group Finalise Submarine Cooperation Agreement

Dirk Beljaarts, Minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, and Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, signed an Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) related to the forthcoming Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) programme. The agreement, formalised at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, outlines the industrial cooperation strategy between Naval Group and the Netherlands' defence and maritime sectors.

The ICA sets out a twenty-year collaboration plan involving Dutch companies and knowledge institutes to support the delivery of four new generation submarines based on the Barracuda design. These submarines are intended to replace the current Walrus-class vessels.

The agreement includes a comprehensive industrial cooperation plan aimed at enhancing the Netherlands' strategic autonomy. It involves partnerships with a variety of Dutch entities, including large companies, SMEs, and high-tech innovators, contributing to the submarines’ lifecycle.

“It is an honour to be in the Hague today to sign the Industrial Cooperation Agreement which is a major step for the RNSC program. This agreement lays out an ambitious cooperation between the Netherlands Defense Technological and Industrial Base (NLDTIB) and Naval Group to build the next generation of the Royal Netherlands Navy’s submarines together,” said Pierre Eric Pommellet, Naval Group's Chairman and CEO.

“We are eager to keep leveraging on this cooperation in the future. The Netherlands Defense Technological and Industrial Base delivers high-performing and niche solutions that will be widely included in this program and I view Naval Group as extremely lucky to be able to work closely with such skilled partners within the framework of this program and beyond, for the decades to come,” he added.

The ICA is expected to strengthen the NLDTIB's capabilities in designing, developing, and producing key components and subsystems for advanced submarines and surface vessels.

Derk te Bokkel, CEO of Royal IHC, welcomed the signing of the ICA, stating, "The signing of the ICA is an important step in the program and for the Royal Netherlands Navy in their vital work in ensuring security at sea and from the sea. As a shipbuilder and leading supplier of high-tech maritime technology, Royal IHC is proud to contribute to this strategic project, together with broad participation from the Dutch industry."

Pieter van Breugel, Managing Director of Verebus, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, saying, “For years we worked towards a long-term strategic partnership with Naval Group, and this brought us to this unique moment in time. Verebus is looking forward to a fruitful collaboration, which has already resulted in a first signed contract to start the development of a sustainable and efficient engineering support model for the submarines of the RNSC program.”

Mark Jacobs, CCO of Optics11, highlighted the significance of being included in the ICA, noting, "We experienced a very fruitful cooperation with Naval Group and Thales in the bidding phase and being included in the ICA is a good acknowledgement of that work. With this signature we formalise our collaboration and ensure our participation in the Orka program by delivering the towed arrays."

Hugo Loudon, CEO of RH Marine, also shared his anticipation for the project, stating, “RH Marine is looking forward to working together with Naval Group and the other Orka team members on supporting the Royal Netherlands Navy Submarine service in protecting our seas.”

Rientz Willem Bol, CEO of Bolidt, emphasised the importance of the agreement, commenting, “Where innovation sets sail with excellence. Our congratulations to the Naval Group for having been selected for the Orka contract. This achievement is a testament to your hard work, dedication, and expertise in the submarine field. The signing of the Industrial Cooperation Agreement is a strong signal of your determination to strengthen the strategic cooperation with the Dutch maritime industry. Bolidt is looking forward to collaborating with both Naval Group and the Royal Netherlands Navy in this challenging project.”

The ICA is seen as a pivotal element of the RNSC programme, fostering long-term industrial partnerships and technological development within the Netherlands.