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BAE Systems and Hamek Collaborate to Support Norway’s Maritime Needs.
On February 24, 2025, BAE Systems and Hamek officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at supporting Norway’s maritime needs. The partnership is designed to strengthen Norway’s maritime capabilities and promote industrial growth in the region.
BAE Systems and Hamek signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support Norway's maritime needs. (Picture source: BAE Systems)
BAE Systems and Hamek signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support Norway's maritime needs, to enhance Norway's naval capabilities and foster industrial growth in the region.
The signing took place during an industrial collaboration event at Hamek’s Harstad facility in northern Norway, a site currently undergoing significant investments to improve its dry-docking and ship maintenance facilities. The event brought together defense and government representatives from both the UK and Norway, with the Royal Navy’s ship, RFA Lyme Bay, as a backdrop.
This partnership is closely linked to Norway’s ongoing procurement process for advanced maritime capabilities, with the UK’s Type 26 frigate being one of the options considered. Under the terms of the MOU, BAE Systems and Hamek will work together to explore enhanced ship support and maintenance solutions. These efforts aim not only to meet the current and future needs of the Norwegian maritime fleet but also to generate additional economic benefits for the region.
Bruce Balchin, BAE Systems’ Norway Campaign Director, highlighted the long-standing maritime relationship between Norway and the UK, emphasizing how this MOU strengthens industrial ties between the two nations. "Norway and the UK share a strong maritime relationship built on decades of cooperation as close allies," Balchin said. "This MOU allows us to enhance the industrial relationship between our two countries as Hamek develops its investment plans for facilities to support both the current and future Norwegian fleet."
Jan Oddvar Olsen, Managing Director of Hamek, underscored the strategic importance of the agreement for both his company and Norway. "This MOU forms the foundation for future growth and development of our company," Olsen said. "Furthermore, the implementation of this agreement will enable Norway, as a nation, to improve its preparedness in the north."
As the two companies continue their collaboration, the focus will be on expanding ship support capabilities while ensuring that Norway’s naval forces are well-equipped to meet future challenges in the region.