Harstad-class

The NoCGV Harstad is a purpose-built offshore patrol vessel of the Norwegian Coast Guard, named after the city of Harstad in northern Norway. The ship was built in 2005 to the Rolls-Royce UT 512 design. Her hull was fabricated at Aker Yards in Tulcea, Romania, and the vessel was completed and outfitted at Søviknes Verft in Norway.

Harstad was conceived as a multipurpose vessel, with her design optimised for emergency towing of large oil tankers of up to 200,000 tonnes deadweight, oil spill recovery and firefighting. In addition to these tasks, the ship is equipped to support the NATO Submarine Rescue System.

Delivered in 2005, Harstad was initially leased to the Coast Guard by the civilian shipping company Remøy Shipping. In 2009 the Norwegian Coast Guard formally took over the vessel and has since been responsible for its operation and crewing. In service, the ship's most common duties are fishery inspection and search and rescue within Norway's exclusive economic zone.

A mid-life update of Harstad was approved in 2023 with an initial budget framework of NOK 235 million. The contract was signed around the turn of 2025/2026, but the project has been delayed for contractual and financial reasons. Work is expected to begin in late 2026 at the earliest, with the vessel returning to operational service around 2028.