Kongsberg Maritime’s naval offering is known for high standards but the industry never stands still. So this means providing innovative products that can adapt to every situation. It’s a 24/7 approach that always puts the customer front and centre.
Over recent years, Kongsberg Maritime has evolved its naval offering. While we’ve long been recognised for delivering high-performance products such as propellers, waterjets and handling systems, our focus today is broader and more aligned with the needs of modern navies. Today, we’re a strategic partner, offering complete systems, integration expertise and global, 24/7 support.
This shift reflects both the changing nature of naval operations and the growing demand for faster, more cost-effective solutions. Navies are under pressure to modernise quickly, operate more efficiently and meet increasingly complex mission requirements. We’re responding by combining our proven commercial technologies with deep naval expertise, delivering solutions that are ready for today and adaptable for tomorrow.
We’re now involved much earlier in the shipbuilding process, supporting shipyards and navies from concept through to commissioning and beyond. This is especially important for smaller and medium-sized navies, many of which are now building vessels domestically for the first time. These customers need more than just equipment, they need a partner who can support integration, documentation, training and life-cycle services for their fleets. We’re the right size to be agile, responsive and collaborative, while still offering a comprehensive portfolio of naval technologies.
One of our greatest strengths is our ability to adapt proven commercial technologies for naval use. In offshore and merchant shipping, we’ve delivered thousands of systems that are mission-critical, efficient and environmentally compliant. We have equipment installed on more than 30,000 vessels – that’s a third of the global fleet. Many of these same technologies, when ‘wrapped’ in the necessary naval specifications, can offer navies a faster, more cost-effective route to capability.
Björn ten Eicken, Vice President Naval
While commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) products offer great value, they must be adapted to meet military requirements. For example, MIL-SPEC compliance, ILS documentation, export controls or cybersecurity. We understand these requirements well and have the experience to deliver compliant, integrated solutions without compromising on performance or delivery timelines.
Our integration capabilities are a key differentiator. We can deliver complete propulsion packages, including propellers, waterjets and electric drives, as well as integrated bridge systems, automation, battery solutions and integrated power-management systems (IPMS). This makes us a one-stop shop for many naval platforms, including offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), corvettes and support ships. We’re also flexible in how we work with shipyards and engine manufacturers. In some projects, we lead the integration. For others, we support the engine maker or shipyard as needed.
Propulsion is a key part of our naval offering. Our controllable pitch propellers (CPPs) are widely used in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates, where hydrodynamic performance and low acoustic signatures are critical. We also offer high-performance waterjets, tunnel thrusters and rim-driven thrusters, each designed for reliability, efficiency and minimising underwater noise.
Navies are increasingly interested in hybrid and electric propulsion. This trend is not just for environmental reasons, but for operational efficiency. Our solutions support this transition, offering systems that reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Our Promas propulsion system combines propeller and rudder into a single, highly efficient unit. For navies, this means extended range and lower fuel cost – critical advantages in both peacetime and combat operations.
Another area where we bring unique value is in ice-class propulsion. Many navies are expanding operations into polar regions, where ice-capable vessels are essential. We have decades of experience delivering propellers for vessels operating in heavy ice. This expertise is now being applied to naval platforms such as the SQ2020 corvettes being built in Finland. We also continue to innovate in other critical areas. Our fully electric, non-hydraulic RAS (replenishment at sea) system offers safer, cleaner and more efficient operations. Our Mission Bay Handling System (see pages 22 and 23) is designed to optimise mission flexibility and equipment storage, while our advanced stabilisers enhance seakeeping and crew comfort across a range of naval platforms.
Supporting the future battlespace
There’s growing urgency to deliver new platforms faster and to adapt to emerging threats and technologies. Traditional procurement cycles, perhaps when a frigate takes eight to 10 years from contract to delivery, are no longer sustainable. By the time a ship enters service, its technology may already be outdated.
This is where commercial technology can help. Our experience with autonomous and remote operations in the commercial sector demonstrates what’s possible. While we’re not yet offering fully autonomous naval platforms, we are actively exploring how these technologies can be adapted for defence use. There’s growing interest in autonomous and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) but many questions remain, particularly around mission definition, security and sustainment. It’s an area where technology developments are moving quickly and we’re well positioned to support this evolution.
Ultimately, our goal is to be a trusted technology partner for navies and shipyards. We’re not a shipbuilder and we don’t aim to be. But we are a leader in maritime technology, with a portfolio that spans propulsion, automation, navigation, remote operations and much more. We offer the flexibility, experience and global support that modern naval programmes demand.
We believe the future of naval operations will be shaped by rapid technological change and evolving mission needs. That’s why we value open dialogue with our customers, navies, coastguards and shipyards alike. By exchanging ideas and learning from each other, we can better understand emerging demands and co-develop the solutions that will define the next generation of naval capability.
