Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Ulstein Verft have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for enhanced industrial cooperation between Germany and Norway. Their joint efforts are to deliver advanced frigates for the Royal Norwegian Navy, combining cutting-edge technology from TKMS and local shipbuilding expertise from Ulstein Verft.
The LoI was signed at the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) exhibition in Oslo last week. The agreement outlines that, in the event of a contract award for the next Norwegian frigate programme, substantial value creation will take place in Norway.
The signing underscores Team Germany’s commitment to partnering with Norwegian shipbuilders to ensure local expertise and economic benefits. Joachim Wacker, Head of Product Sales & Product Strategy at TKMS and Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director at Ulstein Verft, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership and the advantages for Norway’s shipbuilding sector.
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Combining expertise
Olsen: ‘Ulstein and TKMS share a strong tradition of innovation and excellence in shipbuilding. By joining forces, we are combining our expertise to deliver state-of-the-art naval solutions while strengthening Norway’s industrial capabilities. At the same time, Ulstein will continue its commercial shipbuilding activities, leveraging our strategic location along the Norwegian coast.’
‘This agreement is a milestone in our commitment to the Norwegian industry,’ adds Wacker. ‘Ulstein is a world-class shipbuilder with deep roots in Norway, and together, we will create advanced and highly capable frigates that meet the needs of the Royal Norwegian Navy. We look forward to a successful cooperation that will extend far beyond this project.’
This collaboration reaffirms TKMS’ dedication to fostering long-term cooperation and supporting Norway’s maritime defence capabilities.
Picture: Joachim Wacker and Lars Lühr Olsen performed the signing of the LoI at the Undersea Defence Technology (UDT) exhibition in Oslo last week (photo by TKMS).
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