INTERVIEW WITH HALVARD FLESLAND

WANTS TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH SUPPLIERS

After a year on the Nansen, the conclusion is that the vessel is an exceptionally good product with a fabulous weapons system. The new Norwegian frigates are being built by the Spanish shipyard Navantia, and Lockheed Martin is the main contractor for the integrated weapons systems. KONGSBERG is an important supplier for Lockheed Martin, and works with its subcontractors to deliver weapon, sonar and navigation systems for the new Norwegian frigates.

How has cooperation with KONGSBERG been during your first year of operations?

Our cooperation with KONGSBERG has been good consistently. We have just embarked on the testing and integration of the various systems we carry. Thus far, they look very promising indeed.

What challenges do you envisage in connection with further cooperation with KONGSBERG, and what can KONGSBERG do to overcome the challenges?

As we see it, communication with the various suppliers is a challenge. Messages often have to pass through numerous links before reaching the right recipient. Many of our suppliers use several subcontractors. That makes good communication among subcontractors imperative, and the importance of this increases as the configuration work progresses. When changes are made in the software or hardware, it is essential that information about these variations reaches all involved parties.

What can be done to further streamline communication?

The Norwegian Defence Logistics Organisation (NDLO) and Navantia shipyard of Spain have already introduced measures to streamline communication in connection with guarantees. We believe these measures will also facilitate efficient communication in the integration work ahead.