On 15 September, Royal IHC and Naval Group signed an initial contract covering the onboard accommodation module for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines. The contract was signed in the framework of the Replacement of the Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) Programme.
As part of the contract, Royal IHC will contribute to the design of the living quarters on board the new submarines. In a subsequent phase, Royal IHC will also be involved in the production and installation of these quarters within the modules.
Royal IHC is one of the partners within Team ORKA, the growing network of Dutch companies that are contributing to the construction of the new Orka-class, and brings to the project experience in complex maritime projects, combined with specialist craftsmanship for high-quality onboard modules.
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Industrial Cooperation Agreement
This cooperation aligns with the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed by Naval Group with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, and underlines the role of Dutch maritime expertise and manufacturing capacity in the realisation of the Orka-class submarines. It also promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Dutch and French maritime industries.
‘The signing of this contract is an important milestone for Royal IHC,’ says Eric Gret, Director of Defence at Royal IHC. ‘Naval Group’s confidence in our expertise and manufacturing capabilities confirms the strength of our organisation.’
‘For Naval Group, collaboration with Dutch industrial partners is a key part of the programme,’ adds Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlands at Naval Group. ‘Royal IHC brings proven maritime expertise and experience in complex projects. This first contract represents an important step in our joint commitment to providing modern, reliable and future-proof submarine capability for the Royal Netherlands Navy.’
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Stronger position in defence sector
With this contract, Royal IHC is strengthening its position as a Dutch maritime technology partner in the defence sector. The collaboration with Naval Group demonstrates how specialist knowledge from the Dutch maritime industry is contributing to the new generation of submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
Picture: Royal IHC and Naval Group sign first order for the new Orka-class submarines (photo Royal IHC).
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