Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design have jointly won the contract to design the new standardised vessels for the Norwegian Navy.
The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) has announced that Kongsberg and Salt have been awarded a contract to develop a design concept for standardised vessels. The companies have worked closely for years to secure a Norwegian program, 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,” President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, Eirik Lie, stated.
“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."
In January, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency initiated a prequalification process for the design of up to 28 new standardised vessels for the Norwegian Navy.
“Through our new office in Bergen, we have strengthened our team and in collaboration with KONGSBERG we are establishing ourselves as a solid and trustworthy partner for the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency locally and in the international naval market,” General Manager of Salt Ship Design Bergen, Torbjørn Bringedal, said.
The current fleet of more than 10 vessel classes will be reduced to a standardised 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 Norwegian assignment facilitates the establishment of an international class of standard vessels, based on Kongsberg and Salt design experience.
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, 27 March, the Norwegian Government said the deliveries of standardised 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 standardised vessels.
The Norwegian government said its goal was to contribute to increased allied standardisation through closer and more binding cooperation with allies, and at the same time strengthen its national maritime and defence industry.