In a significant step forward for regional naval industrial cooperation, Australian veteran-founded company The Whiskey Project Group (TWPG) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Colombia’s state-owned shipbuilding authority, Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval Marítima y Fluvial (COTECMAR).
(L-R) Vice Admiral Luis Fernando Márquez, President of COTECMAR and Darren Schuback, Chief Executive Officer of The Whiskey Project Group signing the MOU.
This strategic collaboration is designed to facilitate technology transfer and joint manufacturing of next-generation tactical watercraft, with an initial focus on equipping the Colombian Navy and extending capability offerings across broader Latin American markets. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to defence modernisation and the advancement of sovereign maritime innovation.
By aligning TWPG’s cutting-edge maritime technology with COTECMAR’s established shipbuilding expertise, the partnership exemplifies the growing value of international industrial cooperation in strengthening regional defence capabilities. Together, the two organisations will accelerate the delivery of agile, high-performance naval platforms tailored to meet the evolving operational requirements of modern maritime forces.
Beyond strengthening regional defence capabilities, the partnership between TWPG and Colombia’s COTECMAR represents a pivotal advancement in global naval manufacturing cooperation.
This forward-leaning initiative is set to deliver state-of-the-art watercraft tailored for the Colombian Navy and allied forces, while catalysing deeper economic and strategic engagement between the Indo-Pacific and Latin American regions. It signals the emergence of a new paradigm in international defence collaboration, defined by innovation, interoperability, and shared technological progress.
Underpinned by a strong emphasis on technology transfer, joint manufacturing, and co-development, the MOU unlocks new pathways for Australian defence industry participation. It will foster advanced skills development, generate high-value jobs, and create long-term industrial opportunities across both nations.
Strategically, the alliance enhances the operational readiness of the Colombian Armed Forces and positions Latin America to benefit from sophisticated maritime security solutions. It also reinforces TWPG’s standing as a global leader in maritime defence innovation and elevates COTECMAR’s role as a regional centre of excellence for naval capability.
Together, TWPG and COTECMAR are setting a new benchmark for the future of defence industry collaboration, demonstrating the transformative potential of strategic partnerships in delivering mutual security, economic, and industrial gains.
The partnership is anticipated to drive significant economic growth in Australia, particularly across the New South Wales coastline, where TWPG maintains a robust manufacturing presence. With established facilities in Sydney (Belrose), Gosford, Morisset, Newcastle, and Yamba, this strategic collaboration will further expand TWPG’s domestic industrial footprint to meet increasing global demand for their next-generation tactical watercraft.
Core Pillars of the Strategic Partnership Include:
- Technology Transfer: Evaluating the establishment of a dedicated production line for selected TWPG vessels within COTECMAR’s Colombian facilities. This initiative will facilitate the transfer of critical maritime technologies and manufacturing methodologies, reinforcing sovereign capabilities.
- Integrated Logistics Support: Designing and implementing a holistic, in-region after-sales support and sustainment system for TWPG vessels produced in Colombia and delivered across Latin America, ensuring long-term operational readiness.
- Advanced Mission Systems Integration: Harnessing TWPG’s expertise in cutting-edge maritime technologies to equip vessels with state-of-the-art mission systems tailored to evolving security challenges.
- Joint Market Expansion: Pursuing coordinated commercial strategies to promote TWPG’s Whiskey, NAIAD, and VYCOR product lines — extending the reach of advanced maritime solutions across Latin America to support regional safety, security, and defence preparedness.
Darren Schuback, Chief Executive Officer of The Whiskey Project Group, stated, “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. 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.”
Vice Admiral Luis Fernando Márquez, President of COTECMAR, remarked, “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.”
