thyssenkrupp Marine Systems celebrates start of production for the worlds most modern conventional submarines

• German and Norwegian Defence Ministers witness production start of the 212CD programme in Kiel

• 212CD submarines the most advanced conventional submarines worldwide

• German-Norwegian cooperation a pioneering example of European cooperation in the naval industry

Kiel, 12 September 2023 - thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, world leader in the construction of conventional submarines, today started production in Kiel of 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 in the presence of Boris Pistorius, Federal Minister of Defence, and Bjørn Arild Gram, Minister of Defence of Norway, at the production facilities recently opened at the Kiel shipyard. With the newly built shipbuilding hall, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is setting global standards in modern submarine construction.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, emphasized: “Maritime security is gaining importance worldwide and especially in Europe. 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.

Miguel López, CEO of thyssenkrupp AG, said: "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."

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 €250 million in 2019. The shipbuilding hall opened at today’s 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): ~ 2,500 m³

• Length: ~ 74 m

• Beam: ~ 10 m

• Height: ~ 13 m