Shipyards Ulstein Group and Larsnes Mek Verksted have partnered to compete for a programme to build 28 standard vessels for the Norwegian Navy.
At the beginning of 2025, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) surveyed domestic industry capabilities to meet their ambitious shipbuilding programme’s needs.
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In response, Ulstein and Larsnes presented a unified proposal and have engaged in multiple discussions with NDMA to strategise on accomplishing this project collaboratively.
Ulstein Verft managing director Lars Luhr Olsen and Jarle Gunnarstein, General Manager of Larsnes Mek, said: “We see this as a strategically important opportunity for the Norwegian shipbuilding industry and are ready to deliver both quality and capacity in line with the Armed Forces’ needs.”
The Norwegian Navy is seeking vessels that can be customised for a range of tasks including logistics, support, surveillance, and readiness operations.
These ships are expected to perform reliably in the challenging conditions of Norwegian waters, thereby enhancing the armed forces’ operational capacity and resilience.
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By GlobalDataNDMA representatives have visited both shipyards and discussed their collaboration to meet the armed forces’ standards for quality, delivery reliability, and national value creation.
Both shipyards feature modern facilities with covered dry docks, suitable for constructing and outfitting naval vessels. The two shipyards have worked on “complex newbuilding projects” and provide “aftermarket services, including repairs and conversions”.
A key aspect of their collaboration is the established business relationships in the Gdynia–Gdansk region of Poland, facilitating efficient and cost-effective hull production.
This arrangement allows for flexibility and scalability in deliveries, with final assembly and outfitting taking place in Norway, noted the two companies.
Importantly, despite hull production occurring in Poland, 75-80% of the overall value creation for the commercial projects will remain within Norway.
In a statement, Ulstein and Larsnes representatives said: “Our strength lies in complementing each other and having a common ambition to contribute to national preparedness and industrial development.
“Together, we can deliver a robust and future-oriented vessel programme for the Navy.”
