Norwegian coastguard vessel ‘KV Bjørnøya’ has arrived at Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord from Vard Tulcea’s shipyard in Romania.
The actual tow was expected to take about a month, but due to good weather conditions, the vessel arrived earlier than expected. Bjørnøya is the second vessel in the Jan Mayen class to take over from the Nordkapp class, which will soon be retired after more than 40 years in service.
NDMA project manager Odd Magne Nilsen said: “During the next year, Bjørnøya will transfer from being a hull, to becoming a full-fledged coastguard vessel.”
Before the vessels become operational, they must be equipped and have the necessary equipment installed for the operations in which they are to participate.
Nilsen said: “It is important that the vessels are equipped with the capacities necessary to patrol and solve imposed tasks throughout Norway’s area of interest, including Arctic waters.”
The first coastguard vessel Jan Mayen arrived in Norway last year and the vessel is now being fitted out at Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord.
Vard project manager Roar Gjerde said: “The equipment of the first hull, arriving at the yard in September 2021, is now entering a new phase with completion, commissioning, and an extensive test period. Getting the hull of the second vessel to the yard now, is a good fit and in accordance with our plans. This contributes to a good transfer of experience by using the same workers on both vessels, and that we get a steady load on the yard in the coming months.”
According to plan, Jan Mayen will be handed over to the Armed Forces in the autumn of 2022. There will be an intensive period ahead before preparing the vessel for delivery. With its capacities and ability to operate in the entire area of interest to Norway, including Arctic waters, the Coast Guard vessel will be an important resource. Bjørnøya is planned to be delivered to the Armed Forces in 2023, while KV Hopen will be delivered in 2024.
