DCNS, Progen Set Up Partnership to Purchase Local Equipment for Brazilian Sub Programme

Scorpene-class attack submarine. (Photo DCNS)

April 18, 2012 defpro.com

Paris | DCNS and Brazilian consulting engineering and service company Progen have signed a major partnership agreement. Progen, with 2,600 employees, brings expertise in local sourcing, contracting and contract follow-up and will play a key role in purchasing locally-produced equipment for the Brazilian Navy’s Prosub* submarine development and construction programme.

The partnership represents a major milestone in local purchasing for the Prosub programme while at the same time giving DCNS access to new resources to meet the growing needs of the Brazilian Navy using local contractors.

“This agreement confirms our willingness to set up innovative partnerships to better serve international client navies. We are also proud to contribute to the growth of the Brazilian naval shipbuilding industry.” said Sylvain Rousseau, DCNS’s SVP, Purchasing & Supplier Relations.

“It’s an honour for Progen to contribute to a programme of this importance. We are also totally committed to growing this partnership. The DCNS decision in our favour shows that we have what it takes to do the job and that we enjoy wide market recognition as such,” added Progen Chairman Eduardo Barella.

This partnership will enable DCNS to comply with Brazilian Navy requirements regarding local equipment meeting the strictest quality standards, whether for submarines or surface vessels. It will also ensure reliable local supply chains while helping DCNS to establish long-term ties with Brazilian companies. More specifically, DCNS and Progen plan to expand local purchasing for the Brazilian Navy’s other surface vessel programmes.

Progen provides consulting engineering services – including engineering procurement & commissioning (EPC) and engineering procurement & construction management (EPCM) – for Brazilian and international groups. Solid technical expertise gives Progen full control over all aspects of purchasing and supply chain management. The company has a range of plants and centres and does business in several Brazilian states as well as Argentina.

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* The Prosub programme calls for the design and construction of four Scorpene-type S-Br conventional-propulsion submarines under a technology transfer agreement along with technical assistance with the design and construction of the non-nuclear portions of Brazil’s first nuclear-powered submarine and the design and construction of both a naval shipyard and a submarine base.