Norway tests industry appetite for standardised vessels programme

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) has launched a market consultation seeking industry input on how the future competition for 28 standardised vessels should be structured and managed.

The procurement forms part of project P1118, which aims to develop a class of standardised vessels intended to improve operational availability, flexibility and lifecycle cost efficiency. 

Forsvarsmateriell is asking industry participants to provide feedback on several aspects of the programme ahead of the formal tender process. 

These include whether the procurement should be divided between one or multiple suppliers, how production batches and contract options should be structured, and the shipbuilding sector’s available production capacity and delivery capability.

The agency is also seeking input on key programme risks and potential mitigation measures. 

According to the market notice, the vessels are expected to be built largely to civilian standards where appropriate, while incorporating the military capabilities required for naval operations.

The procurement falls under Norway’s defence acquisition framework and is exempt from standard EEA procurement rules under Article 123, according to the notice published on Doffin, Norway’s public procurement database.

Forsvarsmateriell indicated that a contract notice linked to the programme is expected to be published around 30 October 2026.