Norwegian Defence Materiel (FMA) announced on Wednesday, October 14, that it had awarded parallel framework agreements for maintenance, repairs and modifications on vessels operated by the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The three suppliers, listed in priority order, are CCB (Coast Center Base), Westcon Yards and Moreld Apply. The agreements have a combined estimated value of up to NOK970 million ($101.7 million) excluding VAT. They run for four years, with an option to extend by up to three more years.
The framework covers maritime materiel, including submarines and surface vessels.
FMA said its primary purpose is to ease the workload of the navy's workshop at Haakonsvern, providing additional capacity when the armed forces' own resources and existing agreements are insufficient. The agreements may also be used to meet the maintenance needs of allied forces in Norway.
"When we strengthen the navy, maintenance capacity must keep pace," said Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik.
CCB received the largest share of the framework, and group chief executive Jan-Dagfinn Lund told Bergens Tidende that the company would need to hire more staff. "We will mainly need project managers with maritime expertise," he said.
CCB and Westcon Yards are already partners to Kongsberg on a separate agreement covering support, maintenance and life extension of the Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates.
The awards come as Norway's planned fleet grows to six Type 212CD submarines and five Type 26 frigates.
