Defense Maritime Solutions

What Defense Maritime Solutions does

Defense Maritime Solutions (DMS) is a privately held, wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Finland-based Wärtsilä, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia with operations in Poulsbo, Washington and Chula Vista, California. The company integrates and sustains power, propulsion, and maneuvering systems for U.S. government vessels, serving as a single point of accountability across a multi-OEM product stack that includes Wärtsilä medium-speed engines (20/25/31/32 series), fixed-pitch, controllable-pitch, and built-up propellers, transverse/retractable/steerable thrusters, waterjets, shaft line components (seals, bearings, couplings, sterntubes), Hamworthy pumps, and Wärtsilä simulation and training platforms. Engineering differentiation rests on proprietary energy-saving technologies (EnergoPac, EnergoProFin, EnergoFlow, Gate Rudder, High Performance Nozzle) and maintenance-extending designs such as the Enviroguard M seal.

DMS sells primarily into U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard shipbuilding and sustainment programs — including T-ATS, T-AGS 67, LCS Independence, EPF, ESB, PSC, TAO, T-AKE, and INLS — under IDIQ vehicles such as Seaport Next Generation and through direct partnerships with prime shipbuilders (Bollinger + Austal, NASSCO). The largest disclosed contract is a 2021 IDIQ ceiling of up to $76.28 million for LCS Independence Class waterjet repair and assembly. The company employs 51–100 people and holds ISO 9001/14001/45001 certifications, NAVSEA welding and NDT qualifications, DNV and Lloyds certifications, and employs Secret/TS-eligible divers, all of which are gating credentials for U.S. naval work.

Revenue is generated through new-construction integration contracts, lifecycle sustainment and overhaul services (propeller and waterjet repair, field service deployment worldwide, in-situ repairs, diving and ROV services up to 1,000 ft depth, assembly/integration/testing at the Chesapeake Flexible Delivery Center), spare parts and logistics support, and simulation/training licensing. Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and the business is wholly dependent on U.S. defense procurement cycles, with the U.S. Navy as the effectively sole end customer across the disclosed logos.

Name

Defense Maritime Solutions

Legal name

Defense Maritime Solutions, Inc.

Website

https://dmsamerica.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Defense Maritime Solutions, a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Wärtsilä, integrates and sustains power, propulsion, and maneuvering systems — engines, propellers, thrusters, waterjets, shaft line components, pumps, and simulation — for U.S. Navy and government vessels.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Maritime Systems Integration

NAICS

Ship Building and Repairing (336611), Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511)

SIC

Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)

akta.pro primary industry

Propulsion, Shafting & Rudder Repair (Engines, Gearboxes, Thrusters) (IMAJAFAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Propulsion MRO, Spares & Field Service (Overhauls, retrofits, upgrades) (IMAJAHAN), Propulsion Integration, Commissioning & Testing (Factory/sea trials, alignment) (IMAJAHAM), Propulsion Drives, Gearboxes & Shaftlines (IMAJAHAD), Submarine Systems & Components (Pressure Hull, Ballast, Life Support) (IMABAKAL), Piping, Valves & Pumps (Deck/Service Systems Components) (IMAJAIAI)

Keywords

• Defense maritime systems
• Ship propulsion integration
• Marine power engines
• Naval propulsor systems
• Shaft line components

Headquarters

HQ city

Chesapeake

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Maritime Systems Integration: Integration and supply of power, propulsion, and maneuvering systems for U.S. government vessels including engines, propellers, thrusters, waterjets, and shaft line components for new construction and retrofit projects
2. Repair and Maintenance Services: Propeller and waterjet repair, field services, diving services, and assembly/integration/testing services for maritime propulsion equipment throughout vessel lifecycle
3. Simulation and Training: Navigation, technological, and communication simulators for naval and coastguard forces using advanced extended reality and cloud-based solutions
4. Integrated Logistics Support: Spare parts supply, maintenance, overhaul and optimization services including equipment selection, commissioning, and ongoing product lifecycle support

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Defense Maritime Solutions integrates and sustains power, propulsion, and maneuvering systems for U.S. government vessels, supplying Wärtsilä marine engines (20/25/31/32 series), propellers (Fixed Pitch, Built-Up, Controllable Pitch), thrusters, waterjets, shaft line components (seals, bearings, couplings, sterntubes), Hamworthy pumps, and simulation systems. The company also provides propeller and waterjet repair, field services, diving services, and assembly/integration/testing throughout the vessel lifecycle for programs including T-ATS, T-AGS, LCS, EPF, ESB, PSC, TAO, T-AKE, and INLS.

Product overview

Defense Maritime Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wärtsilä specializing in the integration and lifecycle sustainment of power, propulsion, and maneuvering systems for U.S. government vessels. The company operates as a system integrator offering a comprehensive portfolio of products organized across Marine Power (Wärtsilä 31, 32, 25, and 20 engines plus generating sets), Propulsors (propellers including Built-Up, Controllable Pitch, and Fixed Pitch; thrusters including transverse, underwater mountable, retractable, and steerable; waterjets; and optimization technology including Gate Rudder, EnergoPac, EnergoProFin, EnergoFlow, and High Performance Nozzle), Shaft Line Solutions (seals, bearings, thrust bearings, high friction couplings, and sterntubes), Pumps (Hamworthy Model CG, Model CB, and Dolphin pumps), Simulation and Training (Navi-Trainer Professional, technological simulators, and GMDSS simulators), and Services (propeller/waterjet repair, field services, diving services, and assembly/integration/testing). The company provides end-to-end support from equipment selection and system integration through logistics, maintenance, overhaul, and optimization throughout the vessel lifecycle.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• DMS Services: Service offerings including propeller and waterjet repair, field services, diving services, and assembly, integration, and testing
• Marine Power
• Propulsors
• Shaft Line Solutions
• Pumps
• Simulation and Training
• Flexible Delivery Center

Products and services

• Wärtsilä 31 Engine Medium-speed 4-stroke marine engine available in 8 to 16 cylinder configurations with power output from 4.2 to 10.4 MW at 720 and 750 rpm, providing best fuel economy of any 4-stroke engine in its class with up to 24,000 hours between overhauls for naval and government applications.
• Wärtsilä 32 Engine Medium-speed 4-stroke engine with 6 to 16 cylinders and power output between 3 and 9.3 MW at 720 and 750 RPM, offering best-in-class power density and fuel economy for marine main propulsion.
• Wärtsilä 25 Engine Medium-speed 4-stroke marine engine available in 6-9L cylinder configurations with power output from 1.7 to 3.4 MW, offering diesel, dual-fuel, LNG, and ammonia fuel versions for flexible marine propulsion.
• Wärtsilä 20 Engine Compact 4-stroke engine in 4L to 9L cylinder configurations with power output from 0.7 to 2.0 MW, used as main propulsion or auxiliary engine in marine installations.
• Wärtsilä Generating Sets Complete generating sets with alternators mounted on a common base-frame meeting shock, noise, and vibration standards for diesel-electric propulsion and ship service power applications.
• Wärtsilä Built-Up Propeller (BUP) Built-up propeller with easily demountable blades enabling underwater blade replacement with minimum interruption to normal operating service for naval and government vessels.
• Wärtsilä Controllable Pitch Propeller Complete propulsion system comprising hub, propeller blades, shafting, hydraulics, control system and accessories designed for stealth and shock resistance capabilities on military vessels.
• Wärtsilä Fixed Pitch Propeller Propeller designed for optimal performance with efficiency, noise, and vibration as the main design considerations across a wide range of speeds and power densities for marine propulsion.
• Transverse Thrusters Transverse thrusters ranging from 400 to 5500 kW available with fixed pitch or controllable pitch propellers for auxiliary or dynamic positioning usage on government vessels.
• Underwater Mountable Thrusters Thrusters with optimized design providing excellent bollard pull performance and superior reliable dynamic positioning performance through underwater mountable capability.
• Retractable Thrusters Thrusters offering fast retraction and deployment with high thrust performance, available in L- and Z-drive options for integration across a wide range of vessel types.
• Steerable Thrusters Steerable thrusters generating cost savings through reliable components, efficient propellers and maintenance-friendly design, available in a range from 1000 to 6500 kW.
• Wärtsilä Modular Waterjets Fully optimized waterjets according to vessel type and power source with high customization options, constructed in 100% duplex stainless steel for outstanding durability in naval and government service.
• Wärtsilä Midsize Waterjets Waterjets designed for 1,000 to 4,500 kW input powers delivered in five standard sizes with proven designs offering shorter lead times and reduced costs.
• Gate Rudder Thrust-enhanced rudder system by Wärtsilä that reduces vessel fuel consumption and provides excellent maneuvering capabilities with improved noise and vibration signature for naval applications.
• EnergoPac Integrated Propulsion Optimized propulsion and maneuvering solution integrating propeller and rudder design to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining vessel speed and crew comfort.
• EnergoProFin Energy saving propeller cap with rotating fins that improve propulsive efficiency by weakening hub vortex and recovering kinetic energy, providing average fuel savings of 2% with payback in less than one year.
• EnergoFlow Pre-Swirl Stator Innovative pre-swirl stator that creates optimal propeller inflow by guiding stern flow in the opposite direction to propeller rotation, preventing power losses in the propeller slipstream.
• High Performance Nozzle Improved Wärtsilä HP nozzle that when combined with Wärtsilä propellers provides up to 5% more thrust than conventional nozzles in bollard pull conditions.
• Wärtsilä Enviroguard M Seal Standard seal for military applications requiring no maintenance between planned overhauls up to 5 years, reducing operational expenditure and vessel downtime.
• Wärtsilä Enviroguard MB and M4 Seals Closed water lubricated seal designed specifically for icebreakers which can experience shock and high shaft movement in harsh naval operating environments.
• Wärtsilä Enviroguard PSE Seal Seal designed to tolerate aggressive waters heavy with silt or sand, featuring abrasion resistant hard-wearing interfaces and ability to withstand large shaft movements.
• Wärtsilä Bulkhead Restrictor (Floodguard) Self-activating bulkhead restrictor ensuring compartment integrity in the event of flooding by maintaining the vessel's ability to reach shore.
• Wärtsilä Envirosafe Composite Bearings Environmentally compliant composite bearing designed specifically for stern tube applications, validated using the latest technology and resin systems.
• Wärtsilä Linesafe Bearing Evolutionary bearing design combining fundamentals from the existing shaft line bearing range into one simple design meeting current and future market needs.
• Thrust Bearings Single collar, self-aligning thrust bearings with two faces of tilting pads on pivots that transmit thrust from shaft to bearing housing minimizing tilting effect.
• Wärtsilä High Friction Couplings High friction couplings (OHSN-X, OHSN-BX, OHSM-VX, OHSM-VXD) designed to increase torque capacity and reduce costs while maintaining maximum propulsion efficiency.
• Sterntubes Oil and water lubricated sterntubes available as ready-to-install or custom designed solutions meeting individual customer requirements and naval specifications.
• Hamworthy Model CG Pumps Vertical single stage centrifugal pumps designed for long reliable service life with a radially split design allowing complete rotating element dismantling independently of motor and piping.
• Hamworthy Model CB Pumps Single stage centrifugal pumps manufactured in vertical and horizontal designs with high efficiency and reliable suction performance, featuring axially split casing.
• Dolphin Pumps Centrifugal pumps offering over 100 years of design and manufacturing experience with flexible construction options using common parts for economy of manufacture in naval service.
• Wärtsilä Navi-Trainer Professional Simulator (NTPRO) Navigation simulator fully compliant with DNV standards providing comprehensive training in ship handling, seamanship, maneuvering, radar operation, and navigation in various environments for naval and coastguard forces.
• Technological Simulators Cloud simulation platforms designed to train engine room, cargo room, and fuel gas supply systems using virtual reality technology for a highly interactive training approach.
• Wärtsilä GMDSS Simulator Communication simulator accurately imitating ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications using simulated terrestrial and satellite systems for General Operator Certification and Restricted Operator Certification training.
• Propeller and Waterjet Repair Services Over 30 years of propeller repair experience including welding, machining, cleaning/polishing, balancing, blade straightening, NDT services, and advanced metrology for naval and government vessels.
• Field Services Global deployment of qualified technicians offering maintenance, repair, overhaul, modifications, upgrades, remanufacturing, and expert engineering resources as OEM service provider for marine propulsion systems.
• Diving Services U.S. based underwater ship husbandry, inspection, and expedited light salvage services with TWIC and Secret/TS eligible divers, including ROV capabilities up to 1,000ft depth and 230 lbs working load.
• Assembly, Integration, and Testing Services Domestic assembly, integration, and testing of maritime propulsion and pump components including lower/upper gear box thrusters, shaft lines, thrust bearings, tunnel thrusters, propellers, and pumps at the Flexible Delivery Center.

Quantifiable outcome

• Up to 5 years maintenance-free operation between planned overhauls for Enviroguard M seals
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature8 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• WärtsiläcoreOthersWärtsilä is the parent company of Defense Maritime Solutions, providing global marine and energy system leadership. DMS operates as a wholly owned subsidiary, leveraging Wärtsilä's technology portfolio including propulsion systems, engines, seals, and simulation solutions. This relationship provides DMS with access to proprietary maritime technology, global reach, and the backing of a major industrial leader while maintaining focus on U.S. defense markets.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Vigor Industrial: Vigor Industrial is a U.S. ship repair, conversion, and marine services provider with major operations on the West Coast and Alaska, serving Navy, Coast Guard, and commercial customers. Highly comparable to DMS in lifecycle sustainment of U.S. government vessels, though broader in hull/scope rather than propulsion-focused.
• BAE Systems Ship Repair: BAE Systems operates multiple U.S. Navy ship repair yards (Norfolk, San Diego, Jacksonville, Pearl Harbor, Mayport) performing maintenance, modernization, and overhaul on surface combatants and submarines. Directly comparable to DMS in defense maritime MRO, though broader in scope and hull-level rather than propulsion/specialty systems.
• Continental Maritime of San Diego (a Huntington Ingalls Industries company): Continental Maritime provides ship repair, modernization, and industrial services for U.S. Navy and commercial vessels at its San Diego yard. Geographic and customer overlap with DMS's Chula Vista facility; comparable defense maritime MRO business model.
• Renk Group: Renk is a German manufacturer of marine propulsion gearboxes, drivetrain components, and specialized military transmissions. Comparable to DMS in delivering propulsion drivetrain systems to naval and government vessels, though focused on gearboxes rather than the full propulsion integration stack.

Broad incumbents

• Rolls-Royce Power Systems (MTU): Rolls-Royce Power Systems (MTU) supplies high-speed marine diesel engines, complete propulsion systems, and naval power solutions globally. Comparable to DMS as a marine propulsion OEM serving naval customers, though broader portfolio across commercial marine and not specialized as a defense lifecycle integrator.
• MAN Energy Solutions: MAN Energy Solutions manufactures large two-stroke and four-stroke marine engines, marine propulsion systems, and naval power solutions. Comparable to DMS as a propulsion OEM serving naval shipyards, though at much greater scale and broader commercial marine footprint.
• Caterpillar Marine: Caterpillar Marine supplies marine engines, propulsion systems, and integrated power solutions for commercial and government vessels. Overlaps with DMS's Wärtsilä engine offering as a competing diesel engine supplier to naval programs, though broader and more commercial-focused.
• ABB Marine & Ports: ABB Marine & Ports provides electric propulsion, integrated power and automation systems, and digital solutions for naval and commercial vessels. Comparable to DMS's systems-integration role on U.S. government vessels, though focused on electrical/automation rather than mechanical propulsion.

Emerging players

• Kongsberg Maritime: Kongsberg Maritime supplies propulsion, deck machinery, automation, and integrated vessel systems for naval and commercial markets. Comparable in providing marine systems integration into government vessels, with overlapping presence in propulsion controls, simulation, and dynamic positioning.

Regional players

• ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems builds naval surface ships and submarines (MEKO frigates, Type 209/212/214 submarines) primarily for European and international navies. Comparable to DMS in naval maritime systems scope, though primarily a shipbuilder rather than subsystem integrator and focused on non-U.S. fleets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/defense-maritime-solutions

Compliance12 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Defense Maritime Solutions