CMN NAVAL’s shipbuilding expertise has earned the trust of over 48 navies worldwide. The Group’s shipbuilding capacity brings together two state-of-the-art shipyards, Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie (CMN) in Cherbourg and German Naval Yards in Kiel, underpinned by Isherwoods, a specialised Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) facility in the UK.
This structure enables the Group to deliver turnkey solutions, from Design, Construction, Systems Integration, Training, and Transfer of Technology to comprehensive lifecycle support. Our portfolio spans from agile 10 m high-speed interceptors to advanced 120 m+ combat vessels, delivering tailored solutions to meet the evolving demands of global maritime security.
A historic and world-renowned shipyard at the heart of Europe’s naval industry. With decades of experience, CMN specializes in the design and construction of advanced naval platforms, from agile high-speed interceptors to complex combat vessels. Located in Cherbourg, France, CMN employs a highly skilled workforce and serves as a centrepiece of naval innovation in France. Its strategic location ensures close integration with European supply chains and strengthens the Group‘s ability to deliver bespoke, mission-ready vessels with precision and efficiency.
One of Europe’s largest naval production sites, GERMAN NAVAL YARDS covers over 250,000 m² and features the largest dry dock in the Baltic Sea region (426 m in length) and a 900-ton portal crane. Based in Kiel, Germany, the shipyard brings large-scale production capacity and world-class engineering to the Group’s shipbuilding ecosystem. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure and strong integration with European supply chains ensure seamless collaboration across CMN NAVAL, reinforcing the Group‘s position as a leader in modern naval shipbuilding. Known for its expertise in constructing complex, high-tonnage vessels, GERMAN NAVAL YARDS plays a pivotal role in meet the evolving demands of global maritime security.
Based in Newcastle, United Kingdom, Isherwoods is the Group’s dedicated facility ensuring fleet readiness through Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) and Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM) services for defence and industrial applications across land, sea, and air. Isherwoods specialises in software-led support that integrates various aspects of a vessel’s operational readiness. Isherwoods ensures that every vessel built by CMN NAVAL remains reliable, operational, and fully supported throughout its service life.
CMN NAVAL has delivered over 3,500 vessels to navies and clients worldwide. Each shipbuilding journey that the Group undertakes is a meticulous process, tailored to meet the specific needs of customers worldwide. From the initial vessel concept and design phase to construction, launch, and final delivery, every stage is driven by precision and collaboration. The journey does not end at delivery, through comprehensive lifecycle support, we ensure that every vessel remains mission-ready for decades to come.
The Group’s in-house Design teams and Naval Architects, develop tailored, innovative solutions to meet the evolving demands of global maritime security with unique customized vessels. Working closely with clients, they combine creativity and engineering precision to translate operational requirements into advanced, mission-ready vessel designs. Their expertise extends throughout the entire shipbuilding programme, ensuring seamless alignment from concept to delivery.
The Group’s Engineering and Production teams ensure the highest standards of quality and reliability at every stage of construction. Specialised engineers oversee structural analyses, propulsion, piping, HVAC, and electrical systems in compliance with leading international standards and classification societies. Leveraging modern production lines, advanced facilities, and a highly skilled workforce, the consolidated Group delivers complex vessels with precision and efficiency, meeting demanding timelines without compromising excellence.
From combat systems and advanced communications to navigation and stealth technologies, the Group’s Systems Integration teams bring every element of a vessel together into a cohesive, mission-ready platform. Using robust methodologies grounded in science and proven expertise, the Group’s ensure interoperability, reliability, and performance, delivering truly turnkey naval solutions.
Before delivery, every vessel undergoes rigorous testing to validate performance, safety, and reliability. At CMN, the Syncrolift and testing facilities support comprehensive Harbour Acceptance Tests (HAT) and Sea Acceptance Tests (SAT). At GNY, large-scale testing infrastructure enables the seamless validation of even the most complex, high-tonnage vessels. These processes ensure that every ship delivered is fully prepared for operational deployment.
Across the Group, extensive lifecycle support is offered around the world. This includes maintenance, repairs, overhauls, refits, and conversions conducted with precise planning and strict quality assurance at our state-of-the-art shipyards. Complementing this, Isherwoods delivers advanced ILS solutions in parallel, to optimize operational readiness and sustainability, ensuring that every vessel continues to meet mission demands long after its delivery.
CMN NAVAL goes beyond traditional shipbuilding by offering services that strengthen clients’ long-term naval capabilities. Through Transfer of Technology (ToT), Training & Technical Assistance, and Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) programmes, the Group helps clients localize production, develop skilled workforces, and maintain operational readiness. These services ensure that CMN NAVAL’s partnerships extend well beyond the delivery of a vessel, fostering self-reliance and sustainable naval growth.
The Group’s Transfer of Technology (ToT) programmes empower nations to develop and grow their own naval industries locally. Beyond delivering ships, the Group delivers knowledge, skills, and sustainable industrial capacity.
From shipyard upgrades and on-job familiarization training to combat system integration and lifecycle support, CMN NAVAL’s ToT programmes create jobs, localise supply chains, and strengthen sovereignty.
With successful programmes across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, CMN NAVAL helps partners evolve from ship acquisition to long-term, independent, localised shipbuilding capacity that endures for decades.
Maintaining and operating advanced naval vessels requires skilled personnel. CMN NAVAL provides comprehensive Training and Technical Assistance programs designed to equip crews, engineers, and technicians with the expertise needed to safely operate, maintain, and sustain the vessels of clients globally.
These programs are tailored to each client’s operational requirements, ensuring knowledge transfer that supports both immediate readiness and long-term self-sufficiency.
Isherwoods’ IMIS® System is a comprehensive ILS software suite designed to optimize Asset Lifecycle Management (ALM).
Integrating maintenance management, supply chain control, documentation, and configuration tracking, IMIS® provides a unified, turnkey solution for sustaining naval assets over decades of service.
Proven to deliver exceptional return on investment, IMIS® is trusted by leading clients including the US Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Australian Navy, ARAMCO, and several Gulf navies, ensuring fleet readiness and operational continuity worldwide.
