Dutch maritime technology firm Royal IHC will build the accommodation blocks for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s new Orka-class submarines.
It revealed this week it had just signed a contract with Naval Group, the prime contractor building the new four new RNLN submarines, which are set to be delivered between 2033 and 2037.
Under the terms of the newly agreed deal, Royal IHC will contribute to the design of the living quarters on board the new boats and will later be involved in their production and installation within the submarine modules.
The new agreement is a result of the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed by Naval Group with the the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
Director of Defence at Royal IHC Eric Gret commented: “The signing of this contract is an important milestone for Royal IHC.
“Naval Group’s confidence in our expertise and manufacturing capabilities confirms the strength of our organisation. We are proud to be contributing to the Orka-class submarines and look forward with confidence to our continued future collaboration with Naval Group in the construction of complete modules.”
Country Director Netherlands at Naval Group Mark Donderwinkel described the deal as “a key part of the programme” and added: “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.”
The four new Orka-class submarines — HNLMS Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda and Tiger Shark — will replace the RNLN’s Walrus-class submarines.
They will essentially be smaller, conventionally powered versions of the French Barracuda Suffren-class
submarines. A deal to build the new boats was agreed with Naval Group at the end of September 2024.
- You can read more details on the Royal IHC website, the Naval Group website and the Dutch MoD website
