SME takes central role in Norway’s standardised vessel programme

A Norwegian SME will play a central role in the development of up to 10 new standardised vessels for the Norwegian Navy.  

SME naval architecture firm, Salt Ship Design, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace were announced on 30 March as the winning team following a prequalification process launched by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency in January.  

Initially, the prequalification process stipulated a design for up to 28 new standardised vessels for the Norwegian Navy, although this has now been reduced to “streamline operations, increase operational flexibility and extend the service life of the vessels.”  

Salt Ship Design will contribute its naval architecture and ship design expertise, working alongside Kongsberg to develop an international class of standard vessels. 

Commenting on the announcement, Torbjørn Bringedal, General Manager of Salt Ship Design stated that the company was establishing itself as a “solid and trustworthy partner for the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency locally and in the international naval market.” 

The programme aims to further its collaboration with other countries, such as Canada, Lithuania and the UK, positioning the design work within a broader international context.