NATO WARSHIP A530

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Sailing ban for largest ship of Norwegian Navy

The largest ship in the Norwegian fleet, the newly built KNM 'Maud', has so many faults and shortcomings that a sailing ban was imposed. The scandal comes at a time when the Norwegian navy has already been weakened after the loss of the frigate KNM ÄHelge Ingstad'. The Norwegian defense contracted the support ship at the Korean shipyard DSME back in 2013. According to the contract, the ship was to be delivered in September 2016, but it only arrived in Norway in March 2019 and was named in May. In connection with the preparation of the ship for operational service in the Norwegian Navy, it was discovered that the ship deviated from the agreed specifications on several points. In November, it was clear that the deficiencies were so serious that they posed a threat to the safety of the ship, which is why a sailing ban was imposed. Ever since, the ship has been at the berth, and it may take up to a year before the ship may sail again. The Norwegian Navy has confirmed that the KNM 'Maud' has been prohibited from sailing, but did not want to disclose the faults and deficiencies of the ship. The goal was to enable the Norwegian navy to carry out long-term operations, both in domestic waters and in international contexts. The support ship can store 9.3 million liters of fuel, and should be capable of refueling two frigates at the same time while sailing at a speed of 16 knots. The ship has its own hospital, workshop and ammunition and missile stores. There is space for two large helicopters on the helicopter deck.