Non-Subscriber Extract
DCNS sees technology as key area for European naval consolidation
By Guy Anderson
12 September 2007
The rationalisation of Europe's naval industrial base must first take the form of joint technological development, research, and shared sales strategies in the world market, DCNS' senior vice president of strategy and development has told Jane's.
Jacques Mouysset added that consolidation at the level of individual shipyards is likely to be between 10 and 15 years in the future.
Speaking at the DSEi exhibition in London on 11 September, Mouysset reiterated that the French state-owned warship builder believes cross-border consolidation of the European naval industry is essential to overcome limited funds and Asian competition.
He stressed, however, that a reduction of the industrial footprint is some way off.
"We [DCNS] see this as more about creating synergies and adding value than directly consolidating for the sake of reducing the size of the industrial base. If we create partnerships, then they must add value," said Mouysset.
"Take submarines: Germany produced submarines, and France produces submarines. When it comes to developing the next generation of submarine, should we develop one each or one between us? The latter option will save between EUR100 million [USD138 million] and EUR200 million.
"There is also the issue of technological investment, engineering and research and development [R&D]. I believe it may be possible in time to go forward and look at the shipyards, but it is not realistic in the shorter term. There are many areas to look at first: maybe in another 10 to 15 years."