Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) announced on 4 November a national prequalification process for the construction of new standardised vessels for the Navy, the Norwegian Coast Guard (Kystvakten) and allied partners. Norwegian shipyards are invited to apply to participate in the competition. According to the agency, the prequalification is an important milestone in the renewal of the Norwegian Navy's fleet structure.
"We will significantly strengthen our maritime defence over the coming years, and the acquisition of new standardised vessels will enhance our defence capability. With one of Europe's largest sea areas, a robust and flexible vessel class will strengthen our surveillance, deterrence and readiness," says Norway's Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik.
According to a press release from Forsvarsmateriell, the acquisition is one of the largest maritime procurement projects in modern times. The long-term plan for the defence sector includes up to 28 vessels for the Norwegian Navy, divided into up to ten ocean-going vessels and 18 coastal vessels.
Through the prequalification process, Forsvarsmateriell will identify suppliers with the necessary expertise, capacity and delivery capability. A limited number of qualified suppliers will then be invited to submit tenders. The competition is divided into two contracts to enable broad participation from Norwegian suppliers.
"With this prequalification, we are taking an important step from planning to implementation. The Norwegian shipbuilding industry has high levels of expertise and long experience in developing and building advanced vessels," says Gro Jære, Director of Forsvarsmateriell.
The vessels will be built in Norway, but the tender places no restrictions on whether the hulls are built in Norway or abroad. The final requirements for suppliers will be presented in the tender documentation.
A fundamental principle of the project is to use civilian solutions where possible and military solutions where necessary. According to Forsvarsmateriell, the standardisation also opens up opportunities for cooperation with allied countries on procurement, operation and maintenance.