TKMS and Finkl Steel – Sorel Sign Teaming Agreement to Explore Cooperation on Strategic Materials for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project
Press Release + Noah Note
The Teaming Agreement establishes a framework for cooperation between both companies with a particular focus on the potential melting and production of stainless-steel material for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
The collaboration aims to strengthen Canada’s industrial base for naval programs by combining TKMS’s global submarine expertise with Finkl Steel – Sorel’s advanced metallurgical capabilities.
The agreement provides a basis for exploring future procurement opportunities and potential long-term industrial participation for Finkl Steel – Sorel arising from the CPSP and related naval programs.
Kiel, April 13, 2026 – TKMS and Finkl Steel – Sorel, a member of Swiss Steel Group and a leading Canadian manufacturer of high-performance forged steel components, signed a Teaming Agreement aimed at strengthening industrial cooperation in support of Canada’s future submarine capabilities.
Under the agreement, the parties will jointly explore, develop and implement cooperation related to the melting and production of specialized stainless-steel material grade 1.3964 required for modern submarine platforms within the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).
“Canada’s submarine program represents an important opportunity to combine world-class naval engineering with strong local industrial participation,” said Thomas Keupp, Chief Sales Officer at TKMS. “Through this agreement with Finkl Steel – Sorel, we are exploring how advanced Canadian metallurgical capabilities can contribute to the production of critical materials required for modern submarine platforms. TKMS values partnerships that strengthen domestic supply chains while meeting the highest international naval standards.”
As part of the cooperation, the parties will evaluate the path for Finkl Steel – Sorel to qualify for the production of this specialized naval-grade material in accordance with applicable international naval standards. This includes meeting the technical requirements of the German Institute for Defence Materials and Production Technology (WIWeB) and the classification society Det Norske Veritas (DNV), as well as compliance with Construction Regulations 1050 for German Navy Ships issued by the Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement.
“The Canadian Patrol Submarine Project is a defining initiative for Canada’s long-term security and industrial resilience,” said Louis-Philippe Lapierre-Boire, COO at Finkl Steel Sorel. “Finkl Steel – Sorel is proud to work alongside TKMS to help establish a strong, future ready Canadian industrial foundation for this program. Our capabilities in advanced steel forging, metallurgical engineering, and complex component manufacturing position us as a strategic partner in supporting high-performance naval platforms. Beyond the platform itself, this partnership is about building sustainable expertise, reinforcing Canada’s defence supply chain, and creating enduring economic impact. We look forward to contributing to a program that will serve Canada for decades to come.”
The cooperation will include the exchange of technical information related to material dimensions, chemical composition, certification requirements and relevant Canadian regulatory considerations. Both companies also intend to explore opportunities to maximize Canadian value-added contributions within the CPSP framework.
About TKMS
TKMS is one of the world’s leading naval companies with more than 9,100 employees (including temporary workers) at three shipyards in Kiel, Wismar and Itajaí (Brazil), and with locations worldwide. The company is active as a systems supplier for submarines and naval surface vessels as well as for maritime electronics and security technologies.
Around 3,300 employees work at the Kiel site, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany. 185 years of history and the constant striving for improvement allow the company to set new standards time and time again. TKMS offers its customers worldwide tailored solutions to meet the highly complex challenges of a changing world. The driving forces behind this innovative energy are the company’s employees, who shape the future of TKMS with passion and commitment every day.
More information at: www.tkmsgroup.com
About Finkl Steel – Sorel
Finkl Steel – Sorel is specialized in steel forging and metallurgical engineering and is based in Quebec, Canada. As part of Swiss Steel Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty long steel products, the site focuses on high-performance forged components for critical applications in sectors such as aerospace, energy, transportation and defence.
With its advanced metallurgical expertise and integrated manufacturing capabilities, Finkl Steel – Sorel supports demanding applications where material performance, reliability and safety are essential – serving customers across international markets.
More information at: www.sorelforge.com
Noah Note: AND THERE IT IS. I have been waiting for something along these lines forever. Of course as CPSPs resident steel expert I take great joy in seeing TKMS step up here and commit to Canadian prosuction of their blend of Amanox steel.
Of course if you want to learn more I already wrote in depth about it, so I will save it here. Sorel obviously carries a lot of history for the Canadian defence space. Their hustory was gorged in the fires of the Second World War and there was a time when they were a giant.
Sorel is a fairly large facility in itself. It has both a 5,000-ton open-die hydraulic press for large forgings and a 2,000-ton press for medium-sized products. The site includes electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, heat treatment facilities, and a fully electric forging furnace.
It is one of the sites I have mentioned before as a TKMS candidate with the right investment. Valbruna ASW in Welland also has the capability to make 1.3964 stainless and was another candidate on my list. I am very happy to see one of them get this.
With this announcement both potential suppliers have committed to domestic steel production in Canada. Again I won't go into steel itself, you can read all about that. However this is a significsnt milestone in CPSP, with both sides now firmly locked in.