Joint response and close dialogue with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency
Earlier this year, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) conducted a market survey to assess the Norwegian industry's ability to deliver to their extensive vessel program. Ulstein and Larsnes submitted a joint response and have since had several meetings with NDMA to discuss how this mission can be solved in collaboration.
"We see this as a strategically important opportunity for the Norwegian shipbuilding industry and are ready to deliver both quality and capacity in line with the Armed Forces' needs," state Lars Lühr Olsen, Managing Director of Ulstein Verft, and Jarle Gunnarstein, General Manager of Larsnes Mek. Verksted.
Modern facilities and international cooperation
Both shipyards have modern facilities with covered dry docks ideal for constructing and outfitting this type of naval vessel. They also have extensive experience with complex newbuilding projects and a strong commitment to aftermarket services, including repairs, dockings, and conversions of vessels.
An important element of the collaboration is that both companies have long-term and reliable business connections in the Gdynia–Gdańsk area in the NATO country Poland, where hull production can be carried out efficiently and cost-optimally. This provides flexibility and scalability in deliveries, while final assembly and outfitting take place at the Norwegian shipyards. Even when the hulls are being produced in Poland, up to 75-80% of the commercial projects' value creation is Norwegian.
About the vessels and the companies' experience
The naval vessels now being requested by the Navy are standardised, flexible platforms that can be adapted to various missions – from logistics and support operations to surveillance and preparedness. The vessels must operate effectively in Norwegian waters and under demanding climatic conditions, playing an important role in strengthening the Armed Forces' operational capability and endurance.
Ulstein Group and Larsnes Mek. Verksted have extensive experience with complex newbuilding projects, but in different segments of the maritime industry. Ulstein has delivered advanced offshore and special vessels with high technological complexity, while Larsnes has specialised in modern fishing vessels and fish carriers with high functionality and operational reliability. This complementary experience provides a solid foundation for meeting the requirements for modern naval vessels.
Site visits and further process
On Thursday, 12 June 2025, NDMA visited both shipyards on site. The visit included tours of the facilities and discussions on how a potential collaboration can be organised to meet the Armed Forces' requirements for quality, delivery reliability, and national value creation.
"Our strength lies in complementing each other and having a common ambition to contribute to national preparedness and industrial development. Together, we can deliver a robust and future-oriented vessel program for the Navy," say the representatives from Ulstein and Larsnes.
Representatives from NDMA and Ulstein Verft on a site visit to Larsnes Mek.
Representatives from NDMA visiting Ulstein Verft, here in front of the dock hall which provides optimal conditions for shipbuilding.- Meeting between Larsnes Mek. and Ulstein Verft, from left: Chair of Ulstein Group Tore Ulstein, General Manager Jarle Gunnarstein of Larsnes Mek. Verksted, CEO Gunvor Ulstein of Ulstein Group, Glen Bradley (representative of RoFisk AS, the main shareholder of Larsnes Mek Verksted AS), and Managing Director Lars Lühr Olsen of Ulstein Verft.
