The Norwegian Coast Guard has received the KV Bjørnøya (W311), a Jan Mayen-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV), in an acceptance ceremony at Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord.
Alongside its sister ships, the KV Bjørnøya is scheduled to deploy to assert Oslo’s sovereignty in the Norwegian Sea.
Jan Mayen-class OPVs are designed to last up to eight weeks at sea without replenishment, working as the coast guard’s premier vessel for protecting its exclusive economic zone.
W311 is the second of three OPVs built by the Vard Group following a 5-billion kroner ($450 million) deal to construct vessels that will replace the coast guard’s Nordkapp-class ships.
Built Durable
The Jan Mayen-class ships were developed for worldwide inshore and offshore operations in all weather and sea conditions.
Its ice-strengthened hull allows the vessel to conduct search and rescue, surveillance, and oil recovery in icy waters.
“Norway is a small country in the world, but a great power at sea. It is crucial that we have good control and preparedness in our own sea areas,” Fisheries and Ocean Policy Minister Cecilie Myrseth said.
“The new coast guard vessel will strengthen Norway’s ability to maintain an overview, preparedness and control in our waters – this is an important investment for the government,” she added.