Second Jan Mayen-class OPV handed over to Norway
The Jan Mayen-class OPVs will replace the ageing Nordkapp-class Coast Guard vessels built in the early 1980s. (Photo: Norwegian Navy)
The new KV Bjørnøya OVP represents a critical component of Norway’s commitment to enhancing its maritime security and replacing its ageing vessels with modern ones.
The second Jan Mayen-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ship has been christened and handed over to the Norwegian Coast Guard.
Norway minister of fisheries and oceans Cecilie Myrseth christened the vessel at Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord on 1 November.
The KV Bjørnøya was initially transported in March 2022 from Romania to Norway where it underwent fitting and testing before being officially handed over to the Norwegian Coast Guard. Vard launched the first vessel from its Tulcea shipyard in Romania in August 2021.
Norway’s MoD signed a contract in June 2018 with Vard Langsten shipyard to construct three Arctic Coast Guard Vessels worth NOK7.2 billion (US$721 million). The deal for the three new Coast Guard vessels, KV Jan Mayen, KV Bjørnøya and KV Hopen, has represented one of the largest defence procurements in the history of the country’s maritime sector. The vessels will replace the ageing Nordkapp-class Coast Guard vessels built in the early 1980s.
Vard Group have been contracted to build the three new Coast Guard ships designed by LMG Marin.
The Arctic Coast Guard Vessels are a form of multipurpose OPVs with an ice-class notation and have been designed to withstand operations in the demanding Arctic areas. They are capable of sailing in worldwide operations, in all weather and sea conditions, both offshore and inshore.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Jan Mayen Class (1-3) [Norway]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress]()
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
![Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200]()
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.
-
![UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition]()
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
