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Australian veteran-founded company The Whiskey Project Group has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding with Colombia’s state-owned shipbuilding authority, Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval Marítima y Fluvial (COTECMAR).
The strategic partnership is set to facilitate technology transfer and joint manufacturing of next-generation tactical watercraft, initially focused on strengthening the Colombian Navy’s capabilities, with an eye to expanding across the wider Latin American market. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to defence modernisation and the advancement of sovereign maritime innovation.
By combining The Whiskey Project Group’s (TWPG) cutting-edge maritime technology with COTECMAR’s proven shipbuilding expertise, the collaboration highlights the growing importance of international industrial partnerships in boosting regional defence readiness. Together, the organisations aim to fast-track the delivery of agile, high-performance naval platforms designed to meet the evolving operational demands of modern maritime forces.
Darren Schuback, chief executive officer of The Whiskey Project Group, said the agreement reflected the strength of Australia’s sovereign defence capabilities on the global stage, saying, “This strategic partnership with COTECMAR not only reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced, fit-for-purpose maritime solutions but also affirms the global competitiveness of Australian sovereign defence innovation and advanced manufacturing.”
Beyond enhancing Colombia’s naval capabilities, the partnership is expected to drive deeper economic and strategic engagement between the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. It represents a new model of international defence cooperation – one defined by innovation, interoperability and shared technological advancement.
Vice Admiral Luis Fernando Márquez, president of COTECMAR, echoed the sentiment, describing the MOU as a major milestone for Colombia’s naval modernisation efforts, saying, “Our collaboration with TWPG is fully aligned with COTECMAR’s mission to modernise Colombia’s naval capabilities through innovation, co-development and international partnership. This MOU marks a vital step forward in the evolution of our defence industrial base and our ability to project advanced maritime solutions throughout the Latin American region.”
Underpinned by a strong focus on technology transfer, joint manufacturing and co-development, the MOU opens new avenues for Australian defence industry participation. It is anticipated to generate high-value jobs, foster advanced skills development and create long-term industrial opportunities across both nations.
Strategically, the partnership will bolster the Colombian Armed Forces’ operational readiness and deliver sophisticated maritime security solutions across Latin America. It also cements TWPG’s reputation as a global leader in maritime defence innovation, while further enhancing COTECMAR’s role as a regional hub for naval capability.
The core pillars of the strategic partnership include:
- Technology transfer: Plans are underway to establish a dedicated production line for selected TWPG vessels within COTECMAR’s Colombian facilities, transferring critical maritime technologies and manufacturing techniques to bolster sovereign capabilities.
- Integrated logistics support: The partnership will implement a comprehensive, in-region after-sales support and sustainment system for TWPG vessels manufactured in Colombia, ensuring long-term operational effectiveness.
- Advanced Mission Systems integration: TWPG will equip vessels with state-of-the-art mission systems, leveraging its expertise in cutting-edge maritime technologies to address emerging security challenges.
- Joint market expansion: The organisations will pursue coordinated commercial strategies to promote TWPG’s Whiskey, NAIAD, and VYCOR product lines across Latin America, supporting regional safety, security and defence preparedness.
The agreement is poised to drive significant economic growth in Australia, particularly along the NSW coast, where TWPG maintains a strong manufacturing presence. With facilities located in Sydney (Belrose), Gosford, Morisset, Newcastle and Yamba, this collaboration is expected to expand TWPG’s domestic industrial footprint in response to increasing global demand for its next-generation tactical watercraft.
“Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the operational capability of the Colombian Armed Forces and support broader regional security and stability across Latin America,” Schuback said
The TWPG-COTECMAR partnership stands as a powerful example of how strategic international collaboration can deliver shared security, economic and industrial benefits in an increasingly interconnected world.
