New Norwegian Intelligence Service ELINT vessel "Marjata" Christened

: Posted On Wednesday, 10 December 2014 19:42

Naval Forces News - Norway

New Norwegian Intelligence Service ELINT vessel "Marjata" Christened

On December 6th, the Norwegian Prime Minister christined the new electronic signals intelligence (ELINT) "Marjata". The vessel, which will replace an existing one bearing the same name in 2016, will be operated by the Norwegian Intelligence Service. The christening took place at the shipyard Vard Langsten in Tomrefjord Romsdal.

The new Norwegian Intelligence Service ELINT vessel "Marjata". Picture: Norwegian MOD

"The "new Marjata" is an important asset in the continuation of the Norwegian Intelligence Service mission in the Northern Areas. It will bring new and modern capabilities that will contribute to securing Norway information needs for the next 30 years" said Lieutenant General Kjell Grandhagen, chief of the Intelligence Service.

The ship will replace the existing "Marjata" which has been in operation since 1995 and has reached the end of its expected technical lifetime. In 2009 the Norwegian government allocated money for new "Marjata" that will be operational from 2016.

Northern areas are the core theatres of the new vessel.

"The activity, development and commitment in northern areas is increasing. Control of this development is strategically important for Norway. Parliament's decision to invest in a new intelligence vessel is also an important signal showing Norwegian high priority of having a permanent presence in the north" says Grandhagen and adds: "Norway now has one of the most sophisticated intelligence vessels to follow this trend."

The new Norwegian Intelligence Service ELINT vessel "Marjata" (left) and the old one (right). Picture: Norwegian MOD

"It is a high-tech maritime environment in Norway that has made the construction of this ship possible. Vard Langsten has done an impressive job and we will take this opportunity to thank the shipyard management and employees for a great effort," said Grandhagen.

The hull was built in Romania and Vard Langsten shipyard finished the ship. The same shipyard built the present "Marjata" in the 1990s. The ship is 126 meters long and 23.5 meters wide. The tansition to conventional hull provides increased fuel savings, speed and seaworthiness. This requirement was also driven by the context of the potential for a larger area of operation. Wave signature in the Barents Sea has a characteristic that indicates that the vessel should be of a certain length and width to provide increased stability. The vessel is built rugged to withstand the conditions in the operational area. More space in the top deck and increased height above sea level provides many benefits in relation to the placement of antennas, including minor disturbances, blind spots and increased range. This is Norway's fourth Intelligence Service ELINT vessel. The first was in operation from 1966 to 1975, the second from 1975 to 1995. Today's vessels has been in operation since 1995 and is approaching the end of its life.