Harstad-class

The Harstad class, constructed to the UT 512 design, is an offshore patrol vessel operated by the Norwegian Coast Guard of Norway. Named after the city of Harstad in Northern Norway, the vessel's hull was constructed at Aker Yards in Tulcea, Romania, before completion and outfitting at the Søviknes Verft shipyard in Norway. Delivered in January 2005, the vessel was initially leased to the Norwegian Coast Guard by the civilian shipping company Remøy Shipping. In 2009, the Norwegian Coast Guard formally acquired the vessel and assumed responsibility for its operation and crewing.

The Harstad class is optimized for the emergency towing of large oil tankers up to 200,000 tonnes deadweight (DWT), oil spill clean-up, and firefighting. The vessel's primary operational duties are fishery inspection and search and rescue within the exclusive economic zone of Norway. The Harstad class is also modified to support the NATO Submarine Rescue System. Propulsion is provided by two Bergen Engines B32:40 diesel engines rated at 4,000 kW each, which drive two screws and are supported by an 883 kW azimuth thruster. Auxiliary equipment includes a 15-meter, 5-ton crane and two Norsafe man-overboard boats. The vessel is armed with a 40 mm Bofors gun.

In 2023, a mid-life update for the vessel was approved with an initial budget framework of NOK 235 million. The contract was signed around the turn of 2025/2026, but the project experienced delays due to contractual and financial factors. The refit is scheduled to begin in late 2026 at the earliest, with the vessel expected to return to operational service in 2028.