“Submarine Synergy: Naval Group and RH Marine Supercharge Orka-Class Vessels”
Naval Group and RH Marine formalized an agreement on September 25th to aid in the development of the new Orka-class submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy, marking a pivotal achievement in the execution of the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) initiative.
Through this agreement, RH Marine will lend its proficiency in platform automation, energy distribution, and integrated system solutions to the RNSC initiative. With years of collaborative experience alongside the Royal Netherlands Navy, RH Marine is set to play a crucial role in guaranteeing operational excellence and enduring support for the four new Orka-class conventionally propelled submarines.
This collaboration solidifies the groundwork for long-term Dutch independence in submarine upkeep and future enhancements, while encouraging strengthened cooperation and knowledge exchange between Dutch and French maritime industries. An expanding network of Dutch firms are participating in the RNSC initiative in fields such as hydraulics, energy management, acoustic insulation, composite frameworks, detection technologies, and filtration systems. By collaborating in this manner, Naval Group can construct cutting-edge submarines to satisfy the demands of the Royal Netherlands Navy, aligning with the 2024 Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed in September 2024 with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
“We deeply appreciate the expertise and creativity of RH Marine and eagerly anticipate collaborating to deliver the four new Orka-class submarines to the Royal Netherlands Navy,” remarked Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands of Naval Group. “Robust Dutch industrial participation is crucial to the success of this initiative and underscores the significance of sustainable industrial collaboration within Europe.”
“This agreement not only fortifies our alliance with Naval Group but also signifies our shared goal to support the Royal Netherlands Navy with innovative and future-ready solutions,” stated Koen Staffeleu, Business Unit General Manager Naval of RH Marine. “It reaffirms RH Marine’s position as a dependable partner within the Dutch naval ecosystem.”
