Valbruna ASW Inc. has received an initial order from Germany’s TKMS for approximately 70 tons of non-magnetic submarine steel as part of efforts to support Canada’s future submarine program.
The order is intended to advance the certification process for non-magnetic submarine steel and help qualify the Canadian supply chain in accordance with the requirements of Germany’s Institute for Defence Materials and Production Technology (WIWeB).
Valbruna ASW has also signed a cooperation agreement with TKMS covering the development and production of non-magnetic submarine steel for advanced submarine platforms.
Under the agreement, the two companies will collaborate on the melting and production of specialized steel grades required for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), while exploring opportunities for broader cooperation in future submarine programs.
TKMS said the partnership combines its submarine design and manufacturing expertise with Valbruna ASW’s capabilities in stainless steel melting, metallurgical engineering and materials processing.
As part of the cooperation, Valbruna ASW will pursue qualification for the production of non-magnetic submarine steel in accordance with international naval standards, including the technical requirements of WIWeB and classification society DNV.
The agreement also supports efforts to establish long-term production capabilities for submarine-grade steel in Canada, strengthening local supply chains and workforce development for future naval programs.
TKMS is one of the world’s leading naval shipbuilders and a major supplier of submarines and surface vessels. Valbruna ASW operates a specialty steelmaking facility in Welland, Ontario, with an annual production capacity of approximately 200,000 tons of carbon, stainless and alloy steel grades. The company is part of Italy-based Acciaierie Valbruna Group.