Greece Refuses Delivery Of First Type-214 Submarin

Greece Refuses Delivery Of First Type-214 Submarine

NavyLeague

By AMI INTERNATIONAL INC.

The Greek Ministry of Defense and Hellenic Navy have refused to accept the first Katsonis-class (Type 214) submarine being built by Howaldtswerke Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Germany, citing a variety of concerns. Sources indicate that the Hellenic Navy has identified the following as among the continuing problems with the submarine, dubbed Papanikolis:

* The submarine is reportedly highly unstable while surfaced;

* The air-independent propulsion system has lower output power than specified; the unit must be shut down after several hours of sailing due to higher than normal operating temperatures;

* Increased propeller cavitations;

* Attack periscope vibrates at speeds greater than 3 knots;

* Seawater leakage into hydraulic systems;

* Problems with the proper function of the flank arrays.

Hellenic Navy sources indicate that the sea service will not accept delivery until, at a minimum, the stability problem is resolved. The delivery of unit one is now more than 18 months behind schedule and the second unit, being built at Greece’s Hellenic Shipyards, which was acquired by HDW in 2001, is expected to be launched by the end of the year. Four Katsonis-class submarines in all have been ordered, with all but the first being built at Hellenic Shipyards.