Nordkapp-class

The Nordkapp class is a series of three offshore patrol vessels built for the Norwegian Coast Guard during the 1980s. The ships were purpose-built for fisheries inspection, search and rescue, research, and exclusive economic zone patrol in Norwegian waters. The class was designed with a secondary role as wartime naval escorts.

The design features ice browsing capabilities and includes a hangar for one helicopter. The Westland Lynx was the standard aircraft carried from launch until its decommissioning in 2014. Sensors include air and surface search radars, navigational radars, fire control systems, and a hull-mounted sonar. Standard armament consists of a main deck gun, machine guns, and depth charges. The vessels were built with provisions to carry additional weaponry and sensors if required for combat operations, including anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, additional guns, surface-to-air missiles, and electronic warfare systems.

The class comprised the vessels Nordkapp, Senja, and Andenes. In 1991, NoCGV Andenes patrolled the Persian Gulf as part of Coalition forces during the Gulf War. In 1994, this vessel was involved in an altercation and collision with the Sea Shepherd vessel Whales Forever.

The Norwegian government initiated a replacement program in 2018, awarding a contract to the Vard Group for the Jan Mayen class. Retirement of the Nordkapp class began with the decommissioning of NoCGV Senja in November 2021. NoCGV Andenes was decommissioned in October 2023. NoCGV Nordkapp was transferred from the Coast Guard to the Royal Norwegian Navy's mine warfare branch in November 2022. Renamed HNoMS Nordkapp, the ship transitioned to a command role and served as the flagship for Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 in 2023.