“Naval Group Partners with NEDS to Strengthen Ties with Dutch Allies”

Collaboration with Dutch educational establishments and the maritime industry advances with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Marin, a pact between partners Thales and Optics11, alongside a cooperation agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) aimed at implementing the countermeasure solution CANTO on vessels of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Today, NEDS 2024 commenced in Rotterdam. On this occasion, Naval Group accelerated the expansion of its partnerships with associates from the Netherlands Defense Technology and Industrial Base (DTIB) by securing three additional agreements, merely two weeks after the contract signings at Euronaval with Verebus and Van Halteren Technologies. Within the framework of the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) established last September, the MoU with Marin and the agreement between Thales and Optics11 mark a significant progression in the construction of submarines intended for the Royal Navy and Naval Group’s collaboration with Dutch educational institutions and industries. Concurrently with the RNSC program, a cooperation contract has also been finalized for the acquisition of countermeasure systems CANTO for vessels of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Pierre Éric Pommellet, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group, stated: “Our partnership with the Dutch industry has prospered for 30 years and remains strong today. After the previous contract signings at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris, we are making another stride in our commitment to fulfill the obligations set with our Dutch partners. We are thus extremely pleased with the ongoing collaborations and are eager to expand them further.”

The implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with Marin, a renowned leading institution in maritime research, enables the institute to utilize its software, testing facilities, simulators, and full-scale measurements to further enhance submarines. An agreement was also reached between Thales and Optics11 concerning a feasibility study for a towed linear antenna. As a worldwide frontrunner in optical detection technology for ultra-sensitive early warning systems, Optics11 will provide advanced systems and components for the Orka-class submarines.

With these two agreements, Optics11 and Marin are greatly involved in the RNSC program, within high-value-added sectors. These initiatives signify a shift toward the initial major evaluation anticipated at the start of 2025 when the submarine design is due for completion.

Pepijn de Jong, Defence Manager from Marin remarked: “MARIN is excited to finalize this MoU, as it allows us to assist Naval Group with the Royal Netherlands Navy submarine replacement initiative by utilizing our extensive expertise in naval hydrodynamics and maritime operations. We are committed to collaborating with Naval Group to ensure that the Netherlands acquires the most sophisticated submarines achievable.”

Paul Heiden, CEO of Optics11 noted: “Optics11’s cutting-edge technology and expertise in advanced solutions are vital for the success of the Orka program. This partnership not only enhances our position in the defense arena but also underscores the importance of Dutch high-tech companies in contributing to the national economy.

Simultaneously, the endorsement of the cooperation agreement on the CANTO systems exemplifies Naval Group’s commitment to the Dutch DTIB extending beyond the RNSC program.

Earlier this month, Naval Group had already finalized agreements with Verebus and Van Halteren Technologies during the Euronaval in Paris. The collaboration with Verebus focuses on Integrated Logistic Support Technical Documentation in compliance with S1000D standards for the CANTO program for the Royal Navy. In conjunction with Van Halteren Technologies, the partnership concentrates on a preliminary analysis for hydraulic power units for Orka-class submarines.