The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) has awarded a contract to a consortium consisting of Salt Ship Design and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to develop the design for a new standardised vessel class for the Norwegian Navy and Coast Guard.

The project is part of the plan to modernise the Norwegian Navy. The new vessel class will be developed in two sizes — ocean-going and coastal — and is intended to meet the needs of both the Navy and the Coast Guard, as announced by the Norwegian FMA in a press release.

– In the updated long-term plan, the government reaffirms its commitment to the Navy. Norway needs a modern and robust naval defence, capable of meeting an increasingly complex threat landscape. This contract is therefore one of the important milestones in the acquisition of a new standardised vessel class, says State Secretary Marte Gerhardsen in the press release.

According to the FMA, the vessels will largely be based on civilian standards and commercially available technology, whilst also being adaptable for military requirements. The design will furthermore enable modular solutions and interoperability with autonomous systems.

The FMA also announces that the vessels will be developed in Norway, and that they will be available for export to allied nations.

– Developing these vessels in Norway is an investment in security and preparedness, whilst at the same time making use of our national industry, which is world-leading in this field. The vessels will also be sold to our allies, creating significant opportunities for Norwegian industry. This contract is an important step forward for us in the acquisition, says Marte Gerhardsen.

Eleven design companies participated in the qualification phase, of which six progressed. Three suppliers submitted final tenders before the Salt & Kongsberg consortium was selected.

The current contract covers the development of a concept design that will form the basis for an upcoming shipyard procurement competition. That competition is planned to commence in autumn 2026, with a planned construction contract from 2027.

The first vessel of the new class is planned for delivery in 2030, on a timeline that the FMA describes as ambitious.