The Norwegian defense is shifting from many specialized ships to building versatile boats that can be used for different purposes, according to multiple reports. The goal is to create a new NATO standard so that Norway's allies can order the boats. Eleven companies initially registered interest, with six qualifying for the final stage and three submitting final bids.
State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen said the contract is one of the most important milestones for the acquisition of a new standardized vessel class. She added that when the vessels are sold to Norway's allies, it will provide great opportunities for Norwegian industry. According to NRK Møre og Romsdal, Ronny Opsjøn Langset described the win as significant, noting it will require increasing staff at Kongsberg's naval office in Ålesund.
It means a lot, of course. This is something we have worked for a long time, and when we got the message yesterday, we got a really good 'feeling'.
Fride Solbakken, leader of Maritimt Forum, said the shipyard environments in the region are very well equipped to participate in these contracts, and the assignment will benefit the entire industry, not just shipyards but also suppliers. It remains unclear who will build the 28 ships, how many jobs will be created, or the total project budget beyond the design contract.
This means we must increase the staff.
We are about ten employees here now, and there will be more.
This is a hugely important job, where we get to help shape what the Norwegian naval defense will look like for the next 30–40 years.
We want to be in the competition there as well.