Harstad-class

Summary

Description

The NoCGV Harstad is a specialized offshore patrol vessel operating under the Norwegian Coast Guard. It was named after the city Harstad located in Northern Norway, symbolizing its roots and operational region. Commanded by Lieutenant Commander Kyrre Einarsen as of May 2018, the Harstad is an essential asset in fulfilling the Coast Guard's surveillance and emergency response duties within Norway's expansive exclusive economic zone.

With a design focusing on versatility, the Harstad was engineered to perform various tasks, with a particular emphasis on emergency services. Its capabilities are tailored for the towing of large oil tankers, with a capacity for ships up to 200,000 DWT (deadweight tonnes), highlighting its utility in potential maritime accidents involving such massive vessels. Furthermore, the vessel is equipped to handle oil spill clean-up operations, a crucial feature considering the environmental risks associated with oil transport along the Norwegian coastline. In addition to these specialized services, the Harstad is agile in firefighting, aiding in the containment and suppression of flames at sea — a valuable provision when dealing with combustible materials aboard ships.

The Harstad also plays a pivotal role in fishery inspection and search and rescue missions, a testament to its design as a multipurpose vessel. These duties underline the vast nature of responsibilities that the Norwegian Coast Guard is tasked with, given the extensive marine traffic and the significant oil tanker transit close to the nation's shores. Anticipating the challenges emergent from these variables, the vessel's presence serves not only as a functional tool but also as a deterrent and quick-response resource for various maritime situations.

Ensuring the Harstad remains a viable component of the fleet, the 2023 defence acquisition plan for the Norwegian Defence Sector has earmarked the vessel for the necessary upgrades. This initiative illustrates the intent to sustain its operation and effectiveness in the long-term, adapting to the evolving operational requirements as well as the advancements in maritime technology.

While the Harstad is a unique vessel, it shares its broader class with other offshore patrol vessels, such as the ICGV Þór (2009) and the Barentshav class OPV, which similarly contribute to the maritime safety and control measures employed by coast guards of various operating countries.

Technical specifications