Kongsberg press release
KONGSBERG has been selected as the main supplier for carrying out management and ship technical maintenance, modifications and life-extending activities on Norway’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.
“Together with our strong Norwegian suppliers, we can offer efficient and sustainable maintenance services to strengthen the Armed Forces’ operational capability and preparedness, and at the same time provide support to Norway’s allied forces,” said Geir Håøy, President and CEO of Kongsberg Gruppen.
KONGSBERG will coordinate activities with partners through integrated and long-term cooperation with the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Norwegian Defence Material Agency. The company has formed a constellation consisting of the shipyards Westcon Yards and Coast Center Base (CCB), as well as WilNor Governmental Services (WGS) and Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM). KONGSBERG also has a cooperation agreement with Navantia to ensure support services from the shipyard that originally built the ships.
“Maritime industry, defence technology and digitization are KONGSBERG’s main pillars. In this framework agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces, these are united to optimize operations and increase technical availability for the Norwegian frigates throughout their lifetime, while at the same time facilitating predictable operating and maintenance costs,” said Håøy.
Kongsberg Naval Services (KNS) has been established for the purpose of delivering maintenance services as described in the contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA). The company is owned 50 percent each by Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace. The contract between NDMA and KNS is expected to be signed later in December 2023.
-End-
Naval News comments:
Naval News understands that the “life extension” program won’t be as comprehensive as a “mid life update” program. This is because Norway will accelerate its future frigate procurement program in order to replace all 4 Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates remaining in service (one frigate, Helge Ingstad, was scrapped). According to our information, the requirement calls for an existing design already in use (or procured) by a NATO navy who regularly patrol the North Atlantic. Norway is looking for full interoperability with a “partner”. Industry sources told us that a portion of the crews of the future vessels could be provided by said partner and maintenance of the future frigates could be conducted in the NATO partner’s yard. BAE Systems (Type 26), Damen, Fincantieri (FREMM or Constellation-class), Naval Group (FDI), Navantia (F110), TKMS etc… will likely be competing for the future Norwegian frigates.
