KV Hopen

KV Hopen is the third and final of three new Coast Guard vessels VARD has built for the Norwegian Defense Materiel Agency (NDMA). The first vessel, KV Jan Mayen, is already in operation, followed by KV Bjørnøya, which was delivered in 2023. KV Hopen marks the completion of this significant modernization project for the Norwegian Coast Guard.

The construction of KV Hopen’s hull began at Vard Tulcea in Romania before being transported to Vard Langsten in Norway for outfitting, testing, and commissioning. The vessel has undergone extensive work to meet the rigorous operational demands of the Norwegian Coast Guard.

The three Jan Mayen-class vessels KV Jan Mayen, KV Bjørnøya and KV Hopen were built by VARD to replace the aging Nordkapp-class, originally constructed in the 1980s. This project represents one of the largest defense acquisitions in the Norwegian maritime sector, with a total cost framework of NOK 7.2 billion. The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency is responsible for the procurement.

The new Coast Guard vessels incorporate advanced environmentally friendly technologies, meeting strict current and future emission requirements. They are designed for global operations in all sea and weather conditions, both inshore and offshore.

Specially developed for Arctic operations, the vessels feature ice-strengthened hulls, ice-class notation, and the latest technological requirements for specialized patrol vessels. Equipped to operate with their own onboard helicopter, they are built with high standards for seakeeping, durability, helicopter operations, ice-handling capability, sensors, and communication systems to ensure superior performance in demanding environments.