Groupe Gorgé has acquired a new assembly site for its maritime drones. It is in Ostend, Belgium, that the high-tech industrialist has chosen to set up this new factory which will facilitate cooperation with the Belgian and Dutch navies, as part of the flagship program of the underwater mine hunting group. .
Groupe Gorgé inaugurates a new factory in Belgium | Photo credits: ECA
Groupe Gorgé inaugurates a new assembly plant for maritime drones in Ostend, Belgium. In cooperation with the Belgian and Dutch navies, the christening of this plant allows the high-tech industrial group to respect the schedule and the budget planned for its flagship program of underwater mine hunting.
ECA Group, a subsidiary of Groupe Gorgé specializing in autonomous robotics, will operate on the site. This will be dedicated to the production and support of the company’s maritime drones, but also to the assembly and operational maintenance of the hundreds of drones ordered by the Belgian and Dutch navies.
500 million euros
A set of 12 complete robotic systems are planned for delivery for this program and the group will invoice 500 million euros over the total duration of the contract. Production of the drones will begin in September 2022 and the first Toolbox full of drones will be delivered to the Belgian navy in 2024.
ECA Group reserves the right to use this plant to serve its other activities. The production of autonomous ships and underwater robots for example, or demonstrations to customers. Because the factory has direct access to the sea: customers will therefore be able to see them evolve under normal conditions of use. Groupe Gorgé hopes, through this installation, to strengthen its links with Belgian public and private players, in particular by partnering with local companies and industries.
NH