On 4th September 2007, the international submarine conference SubCon 2007 started in Kiel. The renowned four day event features over 400 international participants, among them delegates from 26 navies. After 1995, 1999 and 2003, Schleswig-Holstein’s capital Kiel is hosting the conference for the fourth time. SubCon 2007 is organised by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ Submarine Division, Essen-based MAN Ferrostaal and MarineForce International. Germany’s Federal Minister of Defence Dr. Franz Josef Jung is patron of this conference, which was opened by the Parliamentary State Secretary Thomas Kossendey.

The focus of SubCon 2007 lies on mutual exchange between the industry and navies which already operate submarines or are interested in doing so. Based on the navies’ experience with their submarines, SubCon offers the possibility for both partners to discuss future cooperation and technical developments. Presentation topics range from new submarine designs, platform and propulsion technology to weapon, sonar and communication systems as well as rescue aids.

The companies organising SubCon 2007 share a long established cooperation in the domain of non-nuclear submarines. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is in the unique position of being able to offer two proven non-nuclear, air-independent propulsion systems. 21 boats featuring the Fuel Cell System developed by HDW have already been contracted. Six submarines of the revolutionary Class 212A have already been commissioned by the German and the Italian Navy. The Stirling motor developed by Kockums is successfully run by the Swedish Navy on their five submarines.

Four international shipyards belong to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ Submarine Division: the German Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Kiel and Nordseewerke in Emden, the Swedish company Kockums based in Malmö and Karlskrona and Greek Hellenic Shipyards, based near Athens.