Damen Naval and classification society DNV, signed a contract for the comprehensive classification and verification of the new F126 frigates for the German Navy, on June 7th at the DNV Maritime headquarters. Following the signing of the contract, at its German office, DNV will carry out extensive work and conduct in-depth ship verifications and surveys in Hamburg, Wolgast and Kiel throughout the entire duration of the project.
This will include support in defining the so-called “schedule of performance” certificates and in interpreting the building specifications and documents. DNV will also provide support with regard to the approval of the design and construction of the multi-purpose combat ships throughout the entire construction period.
Damen Naval is building the four frigates (plus a possible two optional extra) together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales after the partners were selected as successful bidders in 2020 as the result of a European invitation to tender spanning several years. The first ship is expected to be delivered to the German Navy in Hamburg in 2028. All building work will be carried out in Germany; in Hamburg, Kiel and Wolgast.
After the signing, Hein van Ameijden, managing director of Damen Naval, said, “I’m absolutely thrilled that we will be working with DNV on the F126 project as this means that a world leading classification society is on board. It also means that we will be continuing the long tradition that DNV has enjoyed with the German Navy. Together we will ensure that standards and safety levels on the frigates meet the most stringent requirements in the interests of the sailors who will be serving on board. When carrying out their duties, they should be safe in the knowledge that they have the very best materials to hand.”
DNV boasts a long history and extensive experience in the verification and certification of German naval vessels. Over the last 20 years, for example, DNV has provided support in the plan approval of designs, inspection and survey of newbuilding, and the verification and certification of many German combat units (frigates, corvettes, support ships and submarines). In addition, DNV has provided technical assurance, through classification services for newbuildings, surveys during drydocking periods, and inspections during sea trials, to the non-military crewed vessels of the Bundeswehr since the 1970s.
Christian von Oldershausen, vice president – naval business director at DNV, said, “We are delighted to be able to support Damen Naval once again with our naval vessel certification services as part of a substantial naval newbuilding project, thereby continuing the well-established cooperation between the two companies in the field of naval shipbuilding. Our cooperation with the German Navy spans several decades and has resulted in the development of the DNV Naval Technical Assurance concept, which independent, but making use of our classification processes and procedures, enables required approvals and certifications to be carried out in accordance to standards specified by the client. This concept will also be used for the F126.”
The Netherlands also relies on DNV’s know-how and expertise. For example, four Holland-class offshore patrol vessels and, the largest vessel in the Netherlands Navy, the Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman used by both the Royal Netherlands and German navies, were built in accordance with DNV rules and certified by DNV in accordance with the Naval Ship Code. The same will apply to the Combat Support Ship Den Helder, which Damen is currently building. DNV has also been selected as the classification society for the conceptual design phase recently launched at Damen Naval for four ASW frigates for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian navies. The Military Seaworthiness Authority of the Royal Netherlands Armed Forces strives to ensure that all vessels are verified and examined in accordance with the Naval Ship Code or the Naval Submarine Code by appointing classification societies such as DNV. The involvement of DNV in the certification and classification of naval vessels of both nations underlines the longstanding and extensive German-Dutch cooperation in this field in an exemplary fashion.
On the contract signing photo from left to right:
Dirk Henneberg, Senior Program Manager Procurement F126, Damen Naval, Sven Dreessen, Manager Newbuilding Area Germany, DNV Maritime, und Christian von Oldershausen, Business Director Naval & Governmental Vessels, DNV Maritime