In June, Norway is expected to select from which ally it will buy five or six new frigates. Options are France, Germany, the US or the UK.
The deal will trigger repurchase agreements worth billions.
If UK frigates are chosen, Umoe Mandal will – through its agreement with BAE Systems – be asked to build 25 smaller ships – Littoral Strike Craft Vessels – for the UK.
“The June decision could have great impact on the development of Umoe Mandal and Mandal as a region,” says Tom Fidjeland, CEO of Umoe Mandal.
During a signing ceremony in Mandal Wednesday, Fidjeland talked about the potential ripple-effects. Possible employment in the Mandal region during the construction phase could amount to 200 full-time workers for five to seven years. An additional ten full-time workers would be busy for 20 years to maintain and support the vessels.
“Those are just the direct ripple effects. Indirect ripple effects are estimated to be three times higher,” said Fidjeland.
Geoff Searle, Future Business Director at BAE Systems Naval Ships praised the long strategic partnership between Norway and the UK – and between BAE Systems and Umoe Mandal.
“The UK and Norway have been close allies for many decades. We share security and political priorities, and we engage in joint operations in the North Atlantic and High North. The Umoe Mandal and BAE Systems relationship spans 25 years. We are pleased to prolong and expand this relationship,” said Searle.
In recent years, Umoe Mandal has supplied 121 gun shields and 8 mast and composite structures for British frigates. Potential future opportunities includes the integration of masts into other programs, and the design and build of littoral strike crafts.
The owner of Umoe Mandal, Jens Ulltveit-Moe, said “weapons are essential for having peace”. He invests heavily in sustainability and weapons, arguing that “we cannot only save the environment, we must also save the democracy”.
