Royal IHC said in a social media statement that it will later support production and installation of the accommodation within the modules. The agreement gives the Dutch shipbuilder a defined role in the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability programme.
The company is part of Team ORKA, Naval Group’s expanding network of Dutch suppliers for the submarine project. Royal IHC is contributing experience from complex maritime programmes and specialist manufacturing of onboard modules.
“The signing of this contract is an important milestone for Royal IHC,” said Eric Gret, Director of Defence at Royal IHC. “Naval Group’s confidence in our expertise and manufacturing capabilities confirms the strength of our organisation.”
The order is aligned with the Industrial Cooperation Agreement between Naval Group and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. That framework is intended to bring Dutch engineering, manufacturing and specialist maritime knowledge into the Orka-class programme.
The partnership also creates a channel for cooperation and technical exchange between the Dutch and French maritime industries. Royal IHC said it expects the initial work to lead to continued collaboration with Naval Group on complete modules.
“For Naval Group, collaboration with Dutch industrial partners is a key part of the programme,” said Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands at Naval Group. “Royal IHC brings proven maritime expertise and experience in complex projects.”
Naval Group described the contract as part of its effort to deliver a modern and reliable submarine capability for the Royal Netherlands Navy. For Royal IHC, the order expands its position in the Dutch defence market and moves its Team ORKA participation into contracted work.
