TKMS places order for submarine steel in support of Canada’s future submarine program

June 17, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

German naval shipbuilder TKMS has awarded Valbruna ASW an initial order for approximately 70 tonnes of non-magnetic submarine steel as part of efforts to support the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

Valbruna ASW, a subsidiary of the Acciaierie Valbruna Group, specializes in stainless steels and nickel alloys.

The order is intended to advance the certification process for non-magnetic submarine steel and assess the supply chain required for its production. According to the companies, the initiative is aimed at helping Valbruna ASW’s Canadian operations obtain approval to manufacture the material in accordance with standards set by Germany’s Institute for Defence Materials and Production Technology (WIWeB).

The company and TKMS also signed a cooperation agreement covering potential collaboration in the melting and production of non-magnetic submarine steel for submarine programs.

Non-magnetic steel is a critical material used in submarine construction due to its ability to reduce a vessel’s magnetic signature, an important factor in underwater operations.

Under the agreement, the companies will evaluate the requirements for Valbruna ASW to qualify as a producer of the specialized steel grade. The process includes meeting technical standards established by WIWeB and classification society DNV, as well as complying with German naval construction regulations.

“TKMS values strong partnerships with leading industrial suppliers capable of meeting the demanding material requirements of next-generation submarine platforms,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS.

“Through this agreement with Valbruna ASW, we are strengthening our collaboration on critical submarine-grade materials while exploring opportunities to support Canada’s future submarine program.”

“Valbruna ASW Inc. is proud to bring its core expertise in the melting and processing of stainless steel, as well as metallurgical engineering, to this program that is so important for Canada, thereby contributing its part to strengthening national supply chains and workforce development,” said General Manager Tiziano Briozzo at Valbruna ASW.

The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is part of Canada’s broader effort to modernize its submarine capabilities and replace the aging Victoria-class fleet in the coming decades. The steel qualification initiative represents an early industrial step toward establishing a domestic supply chain to support future submarine construction and sustainment programs.