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ShipbuildingSolutions for maritime requirements

thyssenkrupp is a reliable partner for the civilian and military shipping industries. We hold a majority stake in TKMS, a leading maritime defense company. In addition, we supply precision components and materials — supply technologies for alternative marine fuels such as green methanol.
A close-up of a submarine navigating rough seas under a cloudy sky.

Innovation and responsibility for a secure future

A secure future requires direction, progress, and responsibility. TKMS contributes to this by rethinking defense: in an integrated, forward-looking manner, and consistently geared toward the requirements of modern maritime operations.
A welder is working on a metal structure in a dark shipyard hall as sparks fly.
A welder is working on a metal structure in a dark shipyard hall as sparks fly.

System expertise for maritime defense

As a systems provider for the maritime industry, TKMS sets international standards. The company has already delivered submarines for coastal and open-sea operations to naval forces in 20 countries. The portfolio also includes frigates and corvettes in the proven MEKO® design — developed in Germany, deployed worldwide.

A technological highlight is the fuel cell propulsion system: It enables longer and quieter underwater operations and increases crew safety. Thanks to its modular design, it can also be integrated into existing submarines.

TKMS offers everything from a single source — from research, design, and manufacturing to outfitting, in-service support, and maintenance.

An employee wearing a helmet and protective gear is inspecting a metal structure inside a ship.

Security technology for networked operations

ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, a TKMS company, specializes in maritime security technology and develops integrated solutions for submarines, surface vessels, and unmanned systems. Its portfolio includes sensors, sonar systems, hydroacoustics, command and control systems.

In doing so, TKMS supports armed forces in accurately assessing underwater situations, operating in a networked manner, and responding quickly and effectively to threats.

Our innovations are shaping the maritime industry

Discover stories, background information, and projects related to our solutions for civilian and military shipping.
HDW Class 212 CD submarine in a shipyard harbor, shown in a combined above- and below-water view. The modern submarine uses fuel cells as an air-independent propulsion technology.

Efficient propulsion technology: Fuel cells for more capable submarines

Fuel cells are regarded as one of the most promising options for efficient propulsion systems of the future. Innovative technology of TKMS makes submarines more capable and enables them to remain submerged for longer.
Learn more
Close-up of a large container ship at a transshipment port. The vessel is moored at the quay beneath several tall container cranes, while colorful containers are stacked and loaded.

Alternative fuels: For road, air and maritime transport

Alternative fuels made from biomass or based on hydrogen offer promising solutions to the mobility dilemma. With hydrogen from renewable power or qualifying waste biomass, alternative fuels can have lower life-cycle emissions than fossil fuels.
Learn more

Materials, components, and services for shipbuilding

thyssenkrupp supports customers in the shipbuilding and offshore industries with technical expertise, and customized supply chain solutions for maritime applications.
Close-up of a large metal roller bearing with a gear ring and circularly arranged holes.
Close-up of a large metal roller bearing with a gear ring and circularly arranged holes.

Reliable solutions for the offshore industry

thyssenkrupp rothe erde develops and manufactures high-quality large-diameter rolling bearings for shipbuilding and other maritime applications. These precision components are used in cranes, rudder shaft bearings, propeller shafts, and other demanding applications, among others.

More than 100 years of experience in forging and machining technology, modern production processes, and in-house research and development resources form the foundation for reliable solutions in the maritime sector.

As such, they make an important contribution to the performance and reliability of maritime systems, which are valued by customers worldwide.

An employee wearing a green hard hat is inspecting a large metal plate in a warehouse.

A wide range of materials and logistics expertise for maritime applications

tk accelis offers shipbuilding companies a comprehensive portfolio of materials for maritime applications: high-quality steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and plastics in virtually all forms, grades, and dimensions.

The company supports customers in the shipbuilding industry with comprehensive solutions for warehouse and inventory management, as well as customized supply chain solutions. This enables efficient control of material flows, optimization of inventory, and strengthening of value chains.

The joint venture Pelagus also expands the possibilities for maritime applications. Together with Wilhelmsen, the company offers a digital inventory directory with a global network of certified manufacturers. This enables customers to better leverage the potential of their inventory portfolio.

Alternative fuels for shipping

Green methanol can replace heavy fuel oil in shipping. It can reduce CO2, NOx, sulfur oxide, and particulate matter emissions and supports shipping companies, shipyards, and operators in decarbonizing the shipping industry.

As an experienced plant engineer, thyssenkrupp Uhde supplies technologies for producing green methanol – for use as a marine fuel and in methanol-based propulsion systems.

Press releases on shipbuilding

Canada commits to trilateral partnership: TKMS selected as the Preferred Supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

Jul 7, 2026Canada commits to trilateral partnership: TKMS selected as the Preferred Supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project

View press release
View press release
TKMS and Navantia Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Roadmap to Cooperation in Naval Shipbuilding

Apr 15, 2026TKMS and Navantia Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Roadmap to Cooperation in Naval Shipbuilding

View press release
View press release
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems receives order extension for two additional submarines from Singapore

May 8, 2025thyssenkrupp Marine Systems receives order extension for two additional submarines from Singapore

View press release
View press release

Our solutions for shipbuilding

Learn more about our businesses

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems / TKMS thyssenkrupp Materials Services / tk accelis thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies