The Danish Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Agency (FMI) has signed a contract to purchase a ship to be used for monitoring critical underwater infrastructure. This is a new capability for the Danish Armed Forces that will strengthen Denmark’s maritime surveillance capabilities.
Danish MoD press release – Translated by Naval News
The Danish Ministry of Defence’s Materiel and Procurement Agency (FMI) has signed a contract to purchase a ship from Danish Navigare Capital Partners A/S to be utilized as a platform for monitoring critical underwater infrastructure.
The acquisition is based on the political partial agreement on a naval plan under the Defence Agreement 2024-2033. Here, it was decided that the ability to protect Denmark’s critical underwater infrastructure, such as energy-producing facilities, cables and pipelines, must be strengthened.
“I am very pleased to be able to sign the purchase of this ship. The security situation remains serious, and it is therefore important that Denmark strengthens its maritime surveillance capabilities. With this ship, the Navy will have a modern platform with development potential, which will be an important tool for increased surveillance and handling of incidents below the sea surface.”
Claus Lundholm Andersen, Head of the Fleet Program at FMI
A modern platform
The new ship, named Norwind Helm, is a construction service operation vessel. It is being purchased as a civilian ship that has previously been used to service wind farms. Therefore, minor adaptations will be made so that it can carry and operate underwater drones and sensors, as well as conduct military operations.
The ship is expected to be delivered in 2026, when both adaptation and personnel training will begin.
The acquisition is financed both through the current defense settlement and with funds from the Acceleration Fund.
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