Nordkapp-class

Summary

Description

The Nordkapp class ships were a series of Norwegian Coast Guard ships specifically constructed in the 1980s. They were designed with multiple roles in mind, including rescue operations, fishery inspections, research, and general patrol duties throughout Norway's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Additionally, these vessels were built to serve as naval escorts in times of conflict. Being part of the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Norwegian Coast Guard possesses certain policing powers.

By June 2018, a significant development was announced when Vard Group, under Fincantieri, obtained a contract to build three new replacement vessels valued at $50M. The delivery of these new ships began in 2023, with the completion expected in 2024. As of November 2023, the original Nordkapp still remains in active service, now repurposed and integrated into the Navy in a mine warfare command capacity, while the others have been decommissioned.

The Nordkapp class was initially equipped to carry a helicopter, specifically a Westland Lynx, until it was decommissioned in 2014. These ships were also capable of navigating icy waters and were provisioned to be outfitted with extra weaponry and sensors, including anti-ship missiles and torpedoes, in preparation for their secondary roles as wartime escorts.

Historically, the Nordkapp class held its own on the international stage. For example, the NoCGV Andenes was tasked with patrolling the Persian Gulf during the 1991 Gulf War as part of Coalition forces. In 1994, Andenes was involved in an incident with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's vessel Whales Forever, which resulted in a collision causing damage to both ships.

The fleet consists of three ships with the lead vessel, Nordkapp, transferred to naval service and re-designated as HNoMS Nordkapp. It is slated to operate as the flagship in the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 in 2023. The other two ships, Senja and Andenes, were decommissioned in November 2021 and October 2023, respectively.

Technical specifications