en.Wedoany.com Reported - VARD and Aas Mek Verksted have signed a letter of intent to jointly build small vessels under Norway's standardized naval vessel procurement program, aiming to strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity for one of the country's largest defense projects.
The Norwegian Armed Forces plans to procure up to 28 standardized vessels for the Royal Navy and Coast Guard, of which approximately 18 will be between 50 and 70 meters in length. VARD stated that its seven shipyards have the capacity to build all 28 vessels, but the collaboration with Aas Mek is intended to explore more efficient production models for small vessels while enhancing supply chain resilience. VARD Group CEO Cathrine Kristiseter Marti noted that Aas Mek's facilities are located close to Vard Langsten, which will facilitate knowledge sharing, quality assurance, and production efficiency throughout the project.
Founded in 1911, Aas Mek Verksted AS operates a facility featuring a covered slipway, workshops, warehouse facilities, and a 145-meter floating dry dock capable of handling vessels up to 7,500 tons, holding a strong position in shipbuilding, conversion, repair, and services within Norway's maritime sector. This partnership will enable the company to enter the military shipbuilding field while better utilizing its existing capacity. CEO Øyvind Heggdal views this as an opportunity to collaborate with experienced local and international shipbuilding partners, leveraging infrastructure suitable for series production of small naval vessels.
VARD has recent delivery experience in defense projects, including three Jan Mayen-class Coast Guard vessels completed between 2023 and 2024, as well as intelligence and coast guard vessels such as F/S Marjata, F/S Eger, KV Harstad, and the icebreaker KV Svalbard. As part of the Fincantieri Group, VARD has access to the defense shipbuilding expertise, technical resources, and financial support of the world's largest shipbuilding organization. Marti stated that Vard Langsten has invested in infrastructure, personnel, and operational procedures tailored to defense requirements, demonstrating the capability to manage complex military projects while maintaining delivery schedules and budget predictability.
VARD believes that concentrating production at a limited number of shipyards will enhance the efficiency of the entire procurement program and reduce costs associated with upgrading facilities to meet defense security requirements. The company also emphasized that during the construction of the Jan Mayen-class vessels, Norwegian local companies supplied up to 80% of the onboard equipment, a model seen as strengthening national readiness, supply chain security, and industrial self-sufficiency. The Norwegian Armed Forces have yet to finalize procurement decisions for the standardized vessel program, but this letter of intent signals growing collaboration among Norwegian shipyards in anticipation of a potential long-term defense shipbuilding plan.
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