Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Ulstein Verft have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on delivering the Royal Norwegian Navy's next series of frigates.
A 2024 fleet plan outlines that Norway will acquire five or six frigates to replace the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates. Potential candidates include the British Type 26, the German F127, the American Constellation-class, and the French FDI.
"Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has long traditions in designing and building naval ships, while Ulstein has long experience in commercial vessels with unique designs and solutions for demanding marine operations," said Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director at Ulstein Verft
"Both companies have an industrial legacy from the shipbuilding industry in different markets related to ship design and ship construction, and are renowned for proven, advanced and outfitting-intensive vessels."
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems' F127 frigate is based on the MEKO A-400 design, which has been used in several different frigate classes built at yards around the world.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is already involved with the Royal Norwegian Navy in the construction of 212CD submarines together with Germany.
The frigates would be outfitted in Norway
"By combining the strengths of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Ulstein, we are merging the expertise to deliver state-of-the-art naval solutions while strengthening Norway's industrial capacity," added Olsen.