German in-service support for Norwegian submarines

Norwegian ULA-class submarine Utstein (KNM 302),

seen from a US helicopter, participates in NATO exercise

in 2003.

May 12, 2011 defpro.com

On 6th May, 2011 Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW), a company of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, and MarineForce International LLP (MFI) have signed a frame agreement with the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation on supplies and services for their German-built ULA-class submarines.

The frame agreement ensures access to specialised engineering services to be provided by the consortium. It will gain in importance during the execution of the ULA-class update programme which guarantees the submarines’ operation until at least 2020. Engineering assistance will be especially significant when it comes to obsolescence of spare parts.

This contract is an additional proof of the consortium’s commitment to ensure through-life-support for submarines of German origin. Having faced an increasing demand for industrial in-service-support of their high-end submarines, HDW and MFI have established a dedicated department which takes care of all customer requirements regarding long-term in-service- support of operational submarines.

Main characteristics of ULA class submarines:

The six German designed and built ULA-class submarines were commissioned between 1989 and 1992 and have since then been operated by the Norwegian Submarine Force.

Surface displacement: 1,040 t

Length: 59 m

Propulsion: diesel-electric

Crew: 21