Netherlands Maritime Technology (NMT) speaks of a lack of support for Dutch companies following answers given to parliamentary questions about the new Dutch minehunters. The order for these vessels was awarded to a consortium led by the French Naval Group.
The Dutch State Secretary for Defence Barbara Visserhas indicated that the possibilities for Dutch companies to participate in the project are limited. Earlier, the Ministry of Defence had decided to place the acquisition, construction and maintenance of these ships entirely in the hands of the Belgian government. NMT concludes that, apart from co-organising matchmaking events, the government will not take any concrete action to ensure Dutch maritime suppliers will play a role in the construction of the ships.
DIS Sidelined
The Ministry has stated that the Belgian tendering process makes it impossible to argue in favour of the deployment of Dutch knowledge institutes. After all, the decision to leave this tender to the Belgians means that the current Defence Industry Strategy (DIS) has been sidelined. The DIS emphasises the necessity of involving high end technology from Dutch companies and knowledge institutes in the Royal Netherlands Navy's replacement programme.
No Room for Dutch Knowledge Institutes
Despite the manner of tendering, NMT was hopeful about the contribution of Dutch maritime suppliers and knowledge institutes to the already awarded order for the minehunter vessels. Unfortunately, the answers to the parliamentary questions confirmed that it was not even possible to deploy Dutch knowledge institutes. In addition, it has been emphasised that systems are mainly bought off the shelf.
In response to questions put by members of parliament during the General Consultation on Material Defence (Algemeen Overleg Materieel Defensie) on 25 April, the State Secretary indicated that he would like to examine how Dutch knowledge institutes could still be involved in the construction of the minehunters. NMT concludes that the development of knowledge seems minimal. Dutch companies that specialise in minehunter technology and, thus, serve Dutch security interests do not benefit from any knowledge development.
Matchmaking Events
In order to achieve a balanced distribution of social return, coordination meetings and matchmaking events are organised. According to the Ministry of Defence, 'this offers good opportunities for Dutch industry'. NMT considers this effort to be minimal, but will make an active effort to ensure that its members participate in such events.
Hopeful for Future Projects
NMT expects the government to apply the DIS as an important assessment framework for possible future projects. During the General Consultation on Material Defence, the State Secretary for Defence emphasised that the DIS would be the guiding principle for future projects. Therefore, NMT hopes that the Dutch strategic knowledge and expertise will be highly involved in other naval construction projects.
Picture: The selected design of the Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium (picture by Belgium Naval & Robotics consortium).
