The Norwegian Defence Materiel Administration (FMA) has awarded a significant contract to the consortium of Salt Ship Design and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace. This partnership will focus on the design and development of a new standardized vessel class for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Kongsberg Partners with Salt Ship on Standardized Vessel Design
This contract represents a key advancement in the Royal Norwegian Navy’s future maritime capabilities. It is part of a comprehensive maritime development initiative and aligns with the Armed Forces’ Long-Term Plan and the Fleet Plan 2024.
Project Overview
The objective is to create a new class of vessels in two distinct sizes: ocean-going and coastal platforms. These vessels will fulfill extensive needs for both the Navy and the Coast Guard.
- Contract awarded to Salt Ship Design and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace.
- Project aims to deliver standardized vessels by 2030.
- Focus on civilian standards and commercially available technology.
State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen emphasized the importance of modern naval defense. “This contract is a crucial milestone,” she stated. Developing these vessels domestically is an investment in security and preparedness. Additionally, it positions Norwegian industry as a leader in maritime defense.
Design Specifications
The new vessels will adhere to civilian standards while ensuring military capabilities. They will include modular solutions and high operational flexibility, compatible with autonomous systems. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2030.
Eleven design firms entered the qualification phase, with six proceeding to the next stage. Ultimately, Salt Ship Design and Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace provided the optimal proposal based on technical maturity, implementation potential, and cost.
Future Steps
The awarded contract calls for developing a complete concept design. This design will serve as a technical foundation for a scheduled shipbuilding competition commencing in 2026. Important principles include neutrality and accessibility to all participating bidders, ensuring equality and independence in the process.
- Key milestones include:
- Completion of requirements specification by late 2026
- Shipbuilding competition from fall 2026 to spring 2027
- Planned construction contract beginning in 2027
- First vessel expected delivery in 2030
Gro Jære, Director of Defence Materiel, underscored the urgency of the project and the necessity for the consortium’s expertise. The design phase will be critical for balancing operational needs, technological innovation, and cost-efficiency prior to vessel construction.
This contract, while having limited monetary value, carries substantial strategic implications. It sets the groundwork for one of the largest investments by the Norwegian Armed Forces in the maritime domain over the coming decades, bolstering national industrial capacity and expertise.
