How a New Naval Tech Partnership Could Revolutionize Shipbuilding

Two industry powerhouses—Stäubli Electrical Connectors and Hepburn and Sons LLC—are joining forces to modernize the U.S. Navy’s power infrastructure. Their target? A smarter, faster way to deliver electricity across warships.

Powering the Next Generation of Naval Tech

The collaboration focuses on upgrading Insulated Bus Pipe (IBP), a critical component for high-energy pulsed power systems in naval applications. These systems are the backbone of advanced weaponry and propulsion, requiring robust, reliable energy distribution. The revamped IBP aims to meet those demands while streamlining ship construction.

“This isn’t just about incremental improvement—it’s about rethinking how energy moves through a ship,” says an industry insider familiar with the project.

A Fusion of Expertise

Hepburn and Sons brings deep experience in integrating Department of Defense (DoD) technologies, while Stäubli contributes decades of precision connector design and manufacturing. Together, they’re engineering an IBP system that could slash installation time and reduce maintenance headaches.

The key innovation? A shipboard distribution network that minimizes traditional cable pulling—a labor-intensive process that often bottlenecks shipbuilding timelines. By simplifying electrical pathways, the partners aim to accelerate fleet readiness without compromising performance.

Why This Matters Beyond the Dockyard

Faster construction isn’t just about cost savings. In an era of rapid geopolitical shifts, the ability to deploy and upgrade naval assets quickly could prove strategically decisive. The new IBP system might also set a precedent for other military branches—or even commercial maritime operations—seeking leaner infrastructure.

While neither company has disclosed a rollout timeline, observers note that the Navy’s push for next-gen systems suggests urgency. One thing’s certain: the stakes for this partnership extend far beyond the shipyard.