TKMS And Ulstein Team Up For New Norwegian Frigates Bid

German shipbuilder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is partnering with Norwegian shipyard Ulstein Verft to bid for the contract to build Norway’s next-generation frigates.

Norway is planning to acquire up to six new ships to replace its Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates; alongside the German F127 design produced by TKMS, other potential platforms include the British Type 26 design, the French FDI, and the U.S. Constellation-class vessels.

At a recent trade conference in Oslo, TKMS and Norwegian family-owned shipyard Ulstein Verft signed an official Letter Of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on their bid for the contract.

As per recent press statements from the two firms, if they are successful in their bid, a significant proportion of the works will take place in Norway.

Ulstein Verft managing director Lars Lühr Olsen commented: “TKMS 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.

“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.”

He added: “By combining the strengths of TKMS and Ulstein, we are merging the expertise to deliver state-of-the-art naval solutions while strengthening Norway's industrial capacity."

TKMS head of product sales & strategy Joachim Wacker said: “This agreement is a milestone in our commitment to the Norwegian industry. Ulstein is a world-class shipbuilder with deep roots in Norway, and together, we will create advanced and highly capable frigates that meet the needs of the Royal Norwegian Navy.

“We look forward to a successful cooperation that will extend far beyond this project." 

TKMS’s F127 frigate is based on the tried and tested MEKO A-400 design; the firm is already involved in the joint German-Norwegian project to build 212CD submarines.

• You can read more details on the TKMS website and the Ulstein website