Norwegian firm awarded contract to scrap frigate Helge Ingstad

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) has awarded local company Norscrap West a contract for the scrapping of the frigate HNoMS Helge Ingstad, which sank following a collision with a commercial tanker on November 8, 2018.

Norscrap was selected following the conclusion of a competitive tender process wherein three other companies participated.

The contract has an approximate value of NOK60 million (US$7.12 million). Scrapping of the frigate is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

The decision was made to have Helge Ingstad scrapped after Norwegian defence officials estimated that the vessel’s repairs would cost more than a newbuild warship of similar size and capacity.