The order is intended to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project. TKMS said the provision of materials and testing of the supply chain are intended to help ensure that Valbruna’s Canadian branch obtains approval for non-magnetic submarine steel.
The approval would be based on the requirements of the German Institute for Defence Materials and Production Technology, known as WIWeB. TKMS and Valbruna ASW have also signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen industrial collaboration, including in advanced submarine programmes.
The agreement enables both companies to explore, develop and implement cooperation in the melting and production of non-magnetic submarine steel. This material is required for modern submarine platforms.
“TKMS values strong partnerships with leading industrial suppliers capable of meeting the demanding material requirements of next-generation submarine platforms,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS. “Through this agreement with Valbruna ASW, we are strengthening our collaboration on critical submarine-grade materials while exploring opportunities to support Canada’s future submarine program.”
As part of the cooperation, the companies will evaluate the path for Valbruna ASW to qualify for production of the specialised steel grade. The process will follow applicable international naval standards.
These include the technical requirements of WIWeB and classification society DNV. They also include compliance with Construction Regulations 1050 for German Navy Ships issued by the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement.
“Valbruna ASW Inc. is proud to bring its core expertise in the melting and processing of stainless steel, as well as metallurgical engineering, to this program that is so important for Canada, thereby contributing its part to strengthening national supply chains and workforce development,” said General Manager Tiziano Briozzo at Valbruna ASW. “We are confident that, by signing the MoU, we can expand our trusted partnership with TKMS from the European level to a global one, bringing our combined expertise and progress in collaboration to the benefit of the CPSP. Furthermore, we are actively working to intensify our collaboration on submarine grade steel production, with the aim of establishing that capability in Canada over the long term.”
