“Most prominent is Terma, with a wide array of proven capabilities that help ensure readiness in defense and security,” said Jensen. “MAN Diesel & Turbo is a world-leading designer of large-bore diesel engines, propulsion systems, propellers and controls. Desmi Pumping Technology, with its pump solutions for industry, maritime and naval purposes as well as systems for oil spill response; and Logimatic … an engineering and software company with solid global experience in development of proprietary software and automations systems, were represented. Odense Maritime Technology (OMT) is an independent spin-off company from the now closed Odense Steel Shipyard, which has been granted the right to use and market the design, procurement and production knowledge from the production of the two Absalon-class combat support vessels and the three frigates of the Iver Huitfeldt class. Finally Hydrema, which makes heavy equipment such as mine clearance vehicles, has caught attention with its new Danish Green Container Concept, featuring SolarDrive’s energy systems.”
Director of Warfare Integration for Information Rear Adm. William Leigher, right, speaks with Danish navy Oversergent David Rauch during a reception aboard the Danish navy support ship HDMS Esbern Snare (L-17) during a Baltimore Navy Week 2012 event. Baltimore Navy Week coincides with the Star Spangled Sailabration, which commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the writing of the “Star Spangled Banner by Francis Scott Key. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Patrick Gordon
Steve Gress, CEO of Terma North America, said his team experienced real interest from operators at the tactical level. “The port calls offer us a unique opportunity for navy and coast guard operational users to experience our technologies fielded on a warship that is participating in real world operations. Talking with the crew of Esbern Snare about their employment of the onboard Terma combat direction system, sea and air surveillance radar and decoy self protection solution is a very convincing way to learn about our products and solutions.”
“We build on the premise that creating customer value is more than strong engineering and manufacturing skills, it’s also about being able to apply those skills in the context of our customers’ needs,” Gress said. “The Esbern Snare visit provided an opportunity to demonstrate first-hand how we apply technology.”
Peter Randow with SolarDrive said the reception was a good opportunity for his company to showcase its off-the-grid energy solutions. SolarDrive had a solar power container unit for military applications in the vehicle deck. “It basically is a flat ISO container unit (10-foot, 20-foot, or 40-foot) with a build in converter, inverters and batteries that you lock onto the top of the container that immediately generates enough power to run the lights, computers, air conditioning and systems inside the containers, plus excess production of electricity will be stored in the built-in battery storage system.”
“We could talk to senior-level decision makers, and when they said they wanted to know more about our product line, we could say ‘please follow me to the deck below and I can show it to you right away,’” Randow said.
“Our navies often go out to sea and fight alongside each other, but events and receptions like this one really strengthen that relationship and give a greater understanding of not only our navies, but of our cultures as well,” said Danish navy Orlogskaptajn Jacob Lauridsen, weapons and electronics officer aboard Esbern Snare. “And it is that kind of exchange that makes us greater allies overall.”
Following the Baltimore visit, the naval ships will participate in a fleet exercise, and then make port calls at Boston and Halifax.