The Royal Norwegian Navy’s maritime fleet could soon share common structural foundations, as domestic shipbuilder Ulstein pitches two of its trademark standardized vessel designs to support the service’s modernization plans.
One concept is a 96-meter (315-feet) vessel that can be reconfigured into a mine-clearing or naval surveying platform and carry unmanned surface vessels.
The second is a smaller 57-meter (187-feet) design for aerial surveillance, underwater monitoring, or even oil spill response.
Both vessels feature open aft decks for flexible mission configurations and are powered by Ulstein’s Power VSG propulsion system designed for “energy-efficient” operations.
They also sport the company’s signature X-BOW hull, which helps maintain smoother sailing through rough seas while cutting down on fuel use and carbon emissions.
Ulstein said the designs are meant to improve crew comfort by lowering noise and vibration.
A Standardized Backbone
Currently, the Royal Norwegian Navy relies on a mix of patrol crafts, coastal and standard vessels, and corvettes to sustain its naval force.
However, different ship structures could make servicing, maintenance, and repairs complicated and expensive.
With the new pitches, Ulstein aims to simplify naval operations, reduce costs, and provide a flexible backbone for a range of maritime missions.
If selected, the company plans to begin construction by 2027, with first deliveries projected by 2030.
