Norwegian Navy Orders 28 Multi-Role Support Vessels Built by Ulstein and Larsnes.

According to information published by Ulstein Group and Larsnes Mek. Verksted, on June 12, 2025, the two shipyards are formalizing a close collaboration aimed at delivering 28 standardized naval vessels for the Royal Norwegian Navy. This marks a historic first for both companies in Norwegian naval shipbuilding, combining their respective expertise to strengthen national defense capabilities. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

These ships are intended for a broad range of tasks including maritime surveillance, logistics support, environmental protection, search-and-rescue missions, and cooperative NATO operations (Picture source: AI Editing content from Army Recognition Group)

The vessel acquisition aligns with Norway’s most ambitious naval modernization effort in decades, fueled by a substantial increase in the defense budget. The Royal Norwegian Navy aims to procure up to ten larger and eighteen smaller flexible platforms to reinforce operational sustainability in the Arctic and coastal zones. These ships are intended for a broad range of tasks including maritime surveillance, logistics support, environmental protection, search-and-rescue missions, and cooperative NATO operations. Designed for adaptability and endurance, they will be built to function efficiently under demanding climatic conditions and meet stringent environmental standards, including potential zero-emission propulsion systems.

Although neither Ulstein Verft nor Larsnes Mek. Verksted has previously delivered combat ships to the Norwegian Navy; their combined capabilities present a formidable industrial alliance. Ulstein recently signed a Letter of Intent with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to co-develop Norway’s next-generation frigates based on the MEKO A-400 platform, signaling its strategic intent to expand into naval shipbuilding. Larsnes Mek. Verksted, while focused on modern fishing vessels and fish carriers, has earned a reputation for building robust, high-functionality maritime platforms.

The initiative follows a market survey conducted by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), which sought to assess national shipbuilding readiness for the Navy’s vessel program. Ulstein and Larsnes submitted a joint proposal and hosted site visits from NDMA delegations to their respective facilities in Ulsteinvik and Sande. These visits confirmed both yards’ capacity for constructing and outfitting complex vessels using their covered dry docks and modern infrastructure.

To optimize efficiency, the collaboration will rely on trusted subcontractors in the NATO-aligned Gdynia–Gdańsk region of Poland for hull production. Final outfitting and systems integration will occur domestically, with both firms asserting that 75 to 80 percent of the project’s economic value will remain within Norway, supporting local jobs and technology development.

The current Norwegian Navy fleet comprises Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates with advanced air and submarine warfare capabilities, Skjold-class corvettes optimized for high-speed littoral operations, Ula-class submarines, and auxiliary vessels like the HNoMS Maud. The addition of these 28 new vessels will reinforce Norway’s maritime resilience, ensuring persistent presence and readiness in northern waters.

Ulstein and Larsnes executives, Lars Lühr Olsen and Jarle Gunnarstein, emphasized their mutual ambition to enhance national security while bolstering Norway’s industrial base. They underscored the complementary strengths of their firms and the importance of delivering a future-proof vessel program that reflects Norway’s strategic and environmental priorities.

Pending formal contract awards, this initiative marks a critical evolution in the Norwegian defense sector and establishes a model for cooperative, value-driven naval shipbuilding within the NATO framework.