The Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) has awarded Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design a contract to develop a design concept for standardised vessels for the Norwegian Navy. The current fleet of more than 10 vessel classes will be reduced to a standardised fleet, streamlining operations, increasing operational flexibility, and extending service life.
A standardised fleet based on the companies’ expertise will simplify maintenance, reduce costs, and ensure more efficient naval operations, according to Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. Up to 28 new standardised vessels are planned. The Norwegian assignment also facilitates the establishment of an international class of standard vessels.
In January, the NDMA initiated a prequalification process for the design of these vessels. After just two months, KONGSBERG and SALT were selected as the winning team. “This marks an important step forward for KONGSBERG and the Norwegian defence and maritime industry,” said Lie. “A standardised fleet based on KONGSBERG and SALT’s expertise will simplify maintenance, reduce costs and ensure more efficient operations for the Navy.”
Through its new office in Bergen, Salt Ship Design has strengthened its team. Torbjørn Bringedal, General Manager of Salt Ship Design Bergen, stated, “In collaboration with KONGSBERG we are establishing ourselves as a solid and trustworthy partner for the Norwegian Defence Material Agency locally and in the international naval market.”
In March, KONGSBERG, SALT, and Ottawa-based Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc. 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 March 27, the Norwegian Government said 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 stated its goal was to contribute to increased allied standardisation through closer and more binding cooperation with allies, while simultaneously strengthening its national maritime and defence industry.
Keywords: KONGSBERG, Salt Ship Design, Norwegian Navy, standardised vessels, NDMA, fleet standardisation, Norwegian Defence Material Agency, maritime defence industry, naval vessel design, allied standardisation
