Dutch duo joins Naval Group’s Orka-class submarine team

November 25, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Naval Group has strengthened its Dutch industrial partnerships for the Royal Netherlands Navy’s future Orka-class submarines, signing two new contracts with Dutch companies Van Halteren Technologies and Nevesbu during the NEDS 2025 defense exhibition in Rotterdam.

Van Halteren Technologies will supply several critical on-board systems, including the central hydraulic power units, refrigeration and freezing systems, as well as anchor winches and capstans.

Designed and manufactured in-house, these components must meet strict requirements for compactness, shock resistance and reliability due to the extremely confined environment of a submarine. The family-owned company previously contributed to the Walrus-class and now continues its role in the next-generation Dutch submarine program.

“The Royal Netherlands Navy is an important customer for us, and we are proud that, in cooperation with Naval Group, we can contribute to this new class of Dutch submarines,” said Izaak Veerman, CEO of Van Halteren Technologies.

“This enables us not only to preserve our many years of expertise in high-end technology but also to continue developing it.”

“The specialised knowledge and advanced technology of Van Halteren are of great value to the Orka programme. Their ability to design and manufacture critical systems in-house makes them an important partner within Team Orka,” commented Mark Donderwinkel, Country Director Netherlandsat Naval Group.

Nevesbu also signed a contract with Naval Group for the design of complex subsystems for the Orka class. Silent operation and extremely precise spatial integration are among the key design challenges the company will address.

“Nevesbu’s contribution to this programme highlights our strength as a knowledge partner in submarine design. We look forward to working with Naval Group and the other partners to realize a new class of advanced submarines for the Netherlands,” stated Bart van Rijssen, Managing Director of Nevesbu.

Both companies are joining Team Orka, a growing network of Dutch suppliers collaborating under Naval Group’s lead.

These collaborations align with the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed by Naval Group with the Ministry of Economic Affairs, to strengthen the foundation for long-term Dutch autonomy in maintenance and future modernization of submarines. They also promote collaboration and knowledge exchange between the Dutch and French maritime industries.

Naval Group signed a delivery agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defense in September 2024 to build four of these submarines. This program is intended to replace the Royal Netherlands Navy’s ageing Walrus-class submarines.