thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has started production in Kiel of what it refers to as ‘the world’s most advanced conventional submarines’. These boats belong to the Type 212CD for a joint programme with the Norwegian and German navies.
The order, placed in July 2021, was the largest in the history of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to date.
The ceremony to mark the start of construction of the first submarine for the Royal Norwegian Navy took place on 11 September in the presence of Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence, and Bjørn Arild Gram, Minister of Defence of Norway, at the recently opened new shipbuilding hall of its Kiel shipyard.
Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG: ‘The production complex that has been built here in Kiel in just two years is one of the most modern shipbuilding halls in the world. This investment strengthens the Kiel site, thyssenkrupp Marine as a whole, and makes an important contribution to maritime security in turbulent geopolitical times.’
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Strong signal for European cooperation
‘Maritime security is gaining importance worldwide and especially in Europe,’ says
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. ‘The 212CD programme is a first decisive milestone for the establishment of state-of-the-art NATO standards in the underwater domain. With the start of construction of the first Norwegian submarine today, we have given the go-ahead and a strong signal for European cooperation. This is where partners meet as equals and jointly develop the most advanced submarines for the challenges of the future.’
With the 212CD programme, the navies of two Northern European nations will for the first time use identical submarines in their fleets and benefit from interoperability and shared resources.
The order comprises the delivery of two submarines to the German Navy and four to the Royal Norwegian Navy. Delivery of the first submarine for the Royal Norwegian Navy is expected for 2029, while delivery of the two boats for the German Navy is scheduled for 2032 and 2034.
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Type 212CD submarines
The six Type 212CD submarines go beyond the 212A as an entirely new generation. With enhanced situational awareness capabilities, expanded networkability with allied units and a reduced signature, the new submarines not only place new demands on production due to their imposing size, but also require state-of-the-art production lines for the fitting-out with high-tech systems.
In preparation for the order, thyssenkrupp had already initiated investments of around EUR 250 million in 2019. The shipbuilding hall opened at the ceremony will serve as a new, state-of-the-art production facility at the Kiel shipyard site, where the submarines of the future will be built.
Technical data of 212CD submarine:
- Displacement (surfaced): ~ 2500 m3
- Length: ~ 74 metres
- Beam: ~ 10 metres
- Height: ~ 13 metres
