Shipbucket

during the storms that have been on the coast of Norway the last month, have damaged the hull of NOCGV Andenes (Nordkapp class), when it ran aground, during patrol

The damage it received to the hull is so big, that there is an chance the ship id getting scrapped. Even with the massive damage she was allowed to travel to one of the Shipyard the navy use for repairs.

The Navy says that it all depends on cost, how much will the repair of the hull cost compared to build a new one that the navy can lend from a private company.

Navy say the decision can take months.

The Royal Norwegian Navy have decided to repair NOCGV Andenes (Nordkapp class). so she can be in service for the next two years. The Navy says also that the entire Nordkapp class is to be replaced in 2016.

Why replace them? Sounds like a terrible waste of resources, or? As far as I know that class isn't that old. Am I wrong, Henrik? Besides, what's wrong with the ships then?

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My Avatar:Петр Алексеевич Безобразов (Petr Alekseevich Bezobrazov), Вице-адмирал , царская ВМФ России(1845-1906) - I sign my drawings as Ari Saarinen

At that point why didn't they build a new replacement after all?

The Navy didn't say anything about why. They like to be a bit secret on weird things! but my list would be:


- 33/34 year old hull.
- Have been upgrade as far it is possible to do with this hull.
- Engine lifetime:After my knowledge: the Navy like to sell vessel that have an Diesel engine that have rounded 50-60% of it's lifetime.
- these Diesel engine is not so easy to replace.
- The hangar can take the NH90, but it's just. so Helicopter Hangar is an factor.
- hull was build for handling the worst weather in Norway, even with 250 tons with ice on deck. but aluminium have it's limit. (after what I heard is that when some aluminium hull that is used in extreme condition almost every time, the aluminum will brake in the end).
- capability. Even Barentshav class have more capability for an modern Navy, on a smaller hull that use lees fuel.
- crew needed. Nordkapp class: 105 meter and 3200 tons needs an crew of 52+6. Barentshav class: 93,2 meter, 4000 tons needs only 20 men.

It's many factor, but mostly age and that today's technology has passed her with a light year. But she still have one of the best hull in the Navy.


For NOCGV Andenes, that hull damage was most likely the nail in the chest. she will be repaired, but the hull have already received so much pounding from all those patrol she have been on. and I think the Navy want a modern vessel, that is slightly bigger than Nordkapp class, and have many more capability.

These wouldn't be what I read a while ago about how the helipad can't take NH-90s without modifications? That'd be a good reason right there alone.

they have probably found out it's cheaper to repair the vessel, and have it ready for use in two month. than have to wait two year, for a new one (it take time to draw, testing, build and fit it out)

and in that period they have to rent a vessel, that is not purpose build.

Ok, fair enough! thanks for that detailed answer, Henrik. Now I see that my presumptions about the wastage are incorrect! I guess I just like their tough, "no frills" appearance so much that I hate to see them gone...

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My Avatar:Петр Алексеевич Безобразов (Petr Alekseevich Bezobrazov), Вице-адмирал , царская ВМФ России(1845-1906) - I sign my drawings as Ari Saarinen

yes they was build for an different era. for a totally different job. they needed a hull that had superior sea capability. but at the same time be cool enough to be able to follow any Soviet ships. they are also build as an home. Nordkapp class often patrol along the Norwegian economic sone.



Today we need:

- tow capacity. (extreme)
- oil-spill cleaning.
- mobile hospital (Nordkapp class had that to)
- command facility (Nordkapp class have that)
- space for people rescued from an oil platform catastrophe.
- helicopter facility, capable to emergency land the biggest helicopter used in the North sea. (like the AW101 that is replacing Sea King's)
- facility for handle some ROW. (Barentshav class are build for large ROW-work)
- Improved living facility. (crew's are often from 1 to 4 month aboard these vessels.)