Ulstein and Larsnes win Norwegian Navy deal

Norwegian shipbuilders, Ulstein Group and Larsnes Mek. Verksted, have won a contract to work jointly on the construction of 28 standard vessels for the Norwegian Navy. The standardised ships will be flexible so that they can be adapted for different missions including logistics and support, surveillance and preparedness, the companies said in a statement.

The successful bid follows a survey undertaken earlier this year by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NMDA) to assess the ability of yards to supply vessels in line with the Agency’s requirements. The two shipbuilding firms submitted a joint response that has proved successful.

Both yards are well-equipped with covered drydocks which are required for the construction and outfitting of naval vessels. They also have experience in complex newbuilding projects and a focus on aftermarket services, including repairs, dockings, and conversions.

Links with shipyards in the Gdynia-Gdansk region of Poland, a NATO country, are also important. The vessels’ hulls will be built there before final assembly and outfitting is undertaken in Norway. The Norwegian partners will maintain around 75-80% of the unspecific contract value.

In a joint statement, Lars Lühr Olsen, Ulstein Verft managing director, and Jarle Gunnarstein, general manager of Larsnes Mek. Verksted, said: “We see this as a strategically important opportunity for the Norwegian shipbuilding industry and are ready to deliver both quality and capacity in line with the Armed Forces' needs.”