thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in Germany and Ulstein Verft in Norway have agreed to work together on the Royal Norwegian Navy’s next frigate programme.
Norway’s 2024 Fleet Plan outlines the acquisition of five or potentially six frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. Potential candidates include the British Type 26, German F127, American Constellation-class and the French FDI. In the event of a contract award to thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for a design based on the F127, Ulstein Verft will play a significant role in the programme, and a significant portion of the project’s overall value creation will take place in Norway.
thyssenkrupp Marine Systems’ F127 frigate is based on the MEKO A-400 design, which has formed the basis of several different frigate programmes around the world. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is already involved with the Royal Norwegian Navy in the construction of 212CD submarines together with Germany.
Ulstein Verft MD Lars Lühr Olsen says: “thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has a long tradition designing and building naval ships. Ulstein has long experience in commercial vessels. If the frigate project is awarded to thyssenkrupp, we will be looking at possible further investment, to further develop production capacity at our facility.
“Looking at this from a long-term perspective, considering the lifespan of the vessels and the need for maintenance, upgrade and modernisation, Ulstein Verft’s geographical location is ideal.”
