Co-operation Amidst a Sea of Need: The European Shipbuilding Push

In recent years, Canada has found itself at the forefront of a pressing global issue: the need to rapidly rearm in anticipation of an increasingly complex security landscape. As our navy struggles to keep pace with emerging threats, it’s refreshing to see some forward thinking emanating from Europe – particularly among shipbuilders who are recognizing that collaboration is key to staying ahead of the curve.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) CEO Oliver Burkhard has been making waves in the industry by pushing for increased co-operation among European shipbuilders. His company’s recent agreement with Navantia S.A., while seemingly a straightforward partnership, represents a significant shift towards a more integrated approach to naval construction.

The current market conditions in shipbuilding underscore the need for collaboration. As TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard astutely observed, “everybody in the past had time but no money; now everybody has money but no time.” This is particularly relevant for Canada’s military, which continues to grapple with the aftermath of decades of underinvestment.

A Pattern of Innovation: Lessons from Airbus

Burkhard’s comparison to the creation of Airbus is an intriguing one. In the 1960s, European aerospace companies came together in response to an empty order book and pressure from American defence contractors. The result was a groundbreaking collaboration that not only helped level the playing field but also paved the way for future innovation.

Similarly, if industry leaders are willing to take the lead on creating closer partnerships among European shipyards, they may be able to overcome some of the current challenges facing Canadian naval construction. By pooling resources and expertise, these companies can increase efficiency and develop more cutting-edge designs that better meet their customers’ needs.

Canada’s Defence-Industrial Base: A Critical Juncture

The TKMS proposal for co-operating on warship construction is particularly relevant to Canada, which has been exploring options for building smaller, ice-capable corvettes. As University of Calgary defence expert Rob Huebert notes, “the starting point for any discussion about defence procurement needs to be military necessity, not economic benefit.” If the Canadian government is serious about rearming and responding to emerging threats, it would do well to consider partnering with European shipbuilders who have already demonstrated a willingness to co-operate.

A Maritime Version of Airbus?

Creating a maritime equivalent of Airbus may seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential to remember that this is not just about building ships – it’s about developing a new paradigm for naval construction. As Huebert suggests, if the industry can come together to create a more integrated and efficient approach to shipbuilding, they will be well-positioned to meet the challenges of the future.

The push for co-operation among European shipbuilders represents an important moment in the evolution of naval construction. By embracing collaboration and innovation, these companies can help Canada – and the wider world – build a more effective defence-industrial base. As we navigate this complex security landscape, it’s time to think creatively about how we can work together to build the ships that will protect our coastlines for generations to come.