European warship contractors pool together

Five major European naval shipbuilders have formed a club to promote synergies in materials procurement as part of broader efforts to reduce costs. The companies, BAE Systems, DCN, Fincantieri, Navantia and VT Shipbuilding Limited, recently signed an agreement setting up the Warship European Procurement (WEP) Club.

Procurement represents approximately 60% of the cost of a typical warship programme.

By cooperating with suppliers, establishing common technical specifications and co-ordinating purchasing, the club will pave the way for future European quality standards in naval shipbuilding and enhance value for money for its customers.