Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design have jointly won the contract to design the new standardised vessels for the Norwegian Navy.
In January, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency initiated a prequalification process for the design of up to 28 new standardized vessels for the Norwegian Navy.
The current fleet of more than 10 vessel classes will be reduced to a standardized fleet to streamline operations, increase operational flexibility, and extend the service life of the vessels. After two months, Kongsberg and Salt have been selected as the winning team.
The companies have worked closely for years to secure a Norwegian programme, while also pursuing international opportunities.
“This marks an important step forward for KONGSBERG and the Norwegian defence and maritime industry, and we look forward to contributing our expertise and technology to develop the standardised vessels of the future in Norway and internationally,” said Eirik Lie , President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.
“A standardised fleet based on KONGSBERG and SALT’s expertise, in support of the Armed Forces and NDMA, will simplify maintenance, reduce costs and ensure more efficient operations for the Navy,” said Lie.
In March, Kongsberg, Salt and Ottawa-based Adaptive Marine Solutions won a contract for the design of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new vessels, which will be built under Canada’s national shipbuilding strategy.
In the revised long-term plan for the defence sector announced on Friday, March 27, the government said the deliveries of standardized vessels to the United Kingdom are part of the strategic agreement in connection with the Norwegian frigate procurement.
Norwegian authorities have also entered into an agreement with Lithuania on the delivery of standardized vessels.