DCNS and SAFT: Alliance for Energy Storage for Naval Applications
PARIS, February 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
- Saft and DCNS Formalise Their Alliance in Innovative Technologies
Saft and DCNS have just signed a framework agreement which reinforces
their alliance in electrical energy storage technologies for military naval
applications. In creating this long-term partnership, the two groups now
represent a national center for innovative technologies.
John Searle, Chairman of the Management Board of Saft, and Jacques
Mouysset, Strategy and Development Director of DCNS, have signed a framework
agreement that strengthens the alliance over the long term. The two companies
will operate as a national center for innovative technologies covering
electrical energy storage for all military naval products including frigates,
submarines, torpedoes, autonomous underwater or surface vehicles (AUV-ASV),
etc.
This framework collaboration agreement is designed in the best technical,
industrial and commercial interests of Saft and DCNS. Following many years of
cooperation in ad hoc agreements in the field of energy storage, the
companies will now work together on a long term basis.
The underlying logic for this agreement is to increase synergies between
both groups. Saft focuses on innovative energy storage technologies
(batteries and accumulators) for industrial applications. DCNS designs and
builds military vessels fitted with platform management systems, propulsion
systems and weapons systems that meet a high level of technical requirements.
The optimisation of electrical energy storage is a key component of the
technical performance of these warships systems.
The objectives for strengthening cooperation between Saft and DCNS
include technological and investment decisions at a very early stage based on
market developments. This framework collaboration agreement applies with
immediate effect, to adapting innovative Li-ion technologies to conventional
submarine propulsion and torpedoes, while extending cooperation on AgO-Al
batteries for torpedoes.
The industrial cooperation created by Saft and DCNS will increase both
companies' competitive advantages in their respective naval military,
national and export markets.
About DCNS
The DCNS Group is one of Europe's leading players on the world market for
naval defence systems. To meet customer demands for more comprehensive and
integrated systems, DCNS acts as prime contractor for naval shipbuilding,
integration and support by combining its own development, marketing and
production capabilities with those of selected partners. To manage the
complexity of such projects, the Group draws on in-house expertise in naval
architecture and systems engineering, ship assembly and integration and
equipment design and production, as well as through-life support. The DCNS
Group employs 13,000 people and generates annual revenues of around EUR2.8
billion.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture
of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high
performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes,
transportation, space and defence. Saft is the world's leading manufacturer
of nickel-cadmium batteries for industrial applications and of primary
lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the
European leader for specialised advanced technologies for the defence and
space industries. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is
present in 18 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales
network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in
the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
