Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems recently launched its new branding as TKMS while also announcing that their order backlog for submarines and surface vessels has grown to €18 billion (approx. A$32 billion). To address their growing order books, TKMS are expanding their recently acquired shipyard in Wismar with a new submarine manufacturing line in addition to its surface vessel capabilities. Despite this, they have assured ADM that they can meet SEA 3000’s timelines by utilising their partner shipyards if their bid for the programme is accepted.
ADM was invited to attend the rebranding ceremony in the organisation’s Kiel shipyards on June 4, joining a large crowd of employees and guests for the event, which included a drone light and laser show with fireworks over the waters of Kiel Fjord. The rebranding has allowed the organisation’s various operating units to be combined under the common name, including surface vessels and submarines, Atlas Elektronik’s software and electronic solutions, and the civilian division NXTGEN Engineering.
“Our new brand identity helps us to be perceived even more strongly as an independent company, in line with our plans to be listed on the stock exchange later this year. We are the only German naval company to unite all maritime fields under one roof," CEO of TKMS, Oliver Burkhard, declared.
Expanding the Wismar Shipyard
TKMS’s primary submarine production line is located at their Kiel shipyard and, with current orders, will be kept busy into the 2040s. The company acquired the Wismar shipyard in mid-2022 with the intention of creating a second submarine production line in addition to surface vessel production. Commencing in May 2025, TKMS is investing €220 million (approx. A$392.5 million) over the next eight years to develop the yard’s infrastructure and expects to create 1,500 new jobs by the end of 2029. Representatives advised ADM that they expect submarine components to be in construction from late 2026, progressing to full submarines as the infrastructure is completed.
Strong Order Backlog
A key contributor to TKMS’ €18 billion orderbook has been recent orders for submarines, including Germany expanding its order for the Type 212CD from four to six and Singapore increasing its Type 218SG order from four to six submarines. TKMS representatives have told ADM that they are also bidding for a potential Canadian submarine order while the Norwegians are assessing whether to also increase their order for the Type 212CD from four to six boats.
“As the global market leader for non-nuclear submarines, TKMS is now one of the leading systems providers in the maritime defence industry. TKMS is proof that Germany can not only keep up with cutting-edge technologies but also lead the way," Chairman of thyssenkrupp AG’s Supervisory Board, Volkmar Dinstuhl, said.
The company’s experience and technologies have also helped it to win projects for surface vessels, including the contract to build Germany’s Polarstern 2 research icebreaker which will replace the existing Polarstern that was commissioned in 1982. The ship will be operated by the Alfred Wegener Institute and is scheduled to be built in TKMS’ recently purchased Wismar shipyard, commencing in March 2027 with completion expected in 2030.
TKMS are also leading a joint venture for the German Navy’s F127 frigates using the 10,000 tonne MEKO A-400 Air and Missile Defence design as a basis. The project is currently completing an analysis phase which was commenced in December 2024, with the selection decision and conclusion of negotiations expected to occur later this year or early in 2026. If approval is given, TKMS will build the ships in Wismar from October 2027 onwards.
Accommodating SEA 3000
Australia’s SEA 3000 program has the first three General Purpose Frigates being built offshore by the winning bidder. TKMS has told ADM that even with the workloads at their shipyards, they would be able to meet the program’s scheduled delivery of the first ship in 2029 thanks to their partnerships with other shipyards.
One such partner is the Rönner Group which operates the fourth largest shipyard in Germany and worked with TKMS on the Egyptian A-200 frigate program, building the first three ships within 52 months, including the first ship being delivered within 38 months. This partnership provides TKMS with a proven capability to build A-200 frigates while also meeting schedules for their other projects.
“Current geostrategic developments and the associated increasing demand are now opening up further enormous growth opportunities,” said Dinstuhl, “opportunities that Marine Systems can best exploit as an independent company.”
Disclaimer: The writer travelled to Germany as a guest of TKMS.