SINGAPORE (dpa-AFX) - Kiel-based shipbuilder TKMS intends to open its first maintenance and service center in the Pacific region in Singapore. The German company signed a letter of intent with local partner ST Engineering on Tuesday, coinciding with a visit by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD).
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard stated: "The collaboration with ST Engineering provides a strong foundation to ensure the long-term operational readiness of the Republic of Singapore Navy's submarines, as well as those of other navies operating TKMS vessels."
The Asian city-state is a regional economic powerhouse and already a key client for the German defense industry. The German government also considers Singapore a "value partner," a status reflected in its inclusion on the itinerary of Pistorius, who is accompanied by a delegation of top German defense executives.
The Singapore Navy has already commissioned Class 218 SG submarines from TKMS and has additional units on order. Furthermore, the German government is seeking to expand the user group for the TKMS U212 CD model beyond Germany and Norway.
TKMS is notably eyeing a potential 212CD contract from Canada for the construction of up to twelve submarines. The NATO ally maintains coastlines on the Pacific to the west, the Atlantic to the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north./cn/DP/stw
