Suche
Mein Konto
Frigate construction in danger: challenges for ladies naval and the navy!
Damen Naval is battling challenges in building Class 126 (F126) frigates for the German Navy by 2028.
Frigate construction in danger: challenges for ladies naval and the navy!
The situation in the German naval shipbuilding industry is anything but relaxed. How Defense technology.info reported, Damen Naval, the leader in this segment, signed a contract to build four multi-role combat ships in June 2020. These units, later renamed the Frigate Class 126 (F126), are intended to replace the aging F123 Brandenburg-class frigates. A subsequent contract even provides for the delivery of two additional frigates. But the road there is rocky.
Although the order book is full, Damen Naval faces massive challenges. Higher material costs, a noticeable shortage of skilled workers and ongoing design changes are affecting the company. To make matters worse, the German government has suspended payments because of these problems. This not only impacts production, but could also jeopardize sales of naval vessels in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe.
The progress of the Class 126 frigate
The F126 will be the largest surface ships in the German Navy since World War II. The first ships are expected to enter service in 2028, based in Wilhelmshaven. The modularity of this frigate is particularly remarkable: various task modules can be installed, for example for anti-submarine warfare or mine countermeasures. The ship is suitable for various missions, including carrying out embargo controls and commanding maritime task forces. Seaforces.org provides relevant information.
Damen Naval is building the frigates in cooperation with the Blohm + Voss and Peene shipyards in Germany. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023, with a keel laying in 2024. The cost of four ships is around 6 billion euros, and integrating new technologies such as stealth technology, fuel cells and even 3D printing are on thyssenkrupp Marine Systems' agenda to promote innovation.
Innovations are key
In this difficult environment, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection has launched initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of German shipyards. A new funding program for “innovative shipbuilding” aims to provide incentives for increased innovation. The aim is not only to secure jobs, but also to develop and use advanced manufacturing technologies. Funded projects include, among other things, climate-friendly drive concepts and offshore structures for energy generation.
How bundeswirtschaftsministerium.de As explained, two thirds of the funding comes from the federal government and one third from the states, with small and medium-sized shipyards in particular able to benefit. This initiative could be the key to meeting the challenges of the coming years.
The players in naval shipbuilding have a lot of work to do: be it rising production costs or the acute shortage of skilled workers - the industry must be strengthened through creative solutions and modern technologies. If Germany wants to survive in international competition, it is essential to proactively address technological and financial risks.