The contract will trigger attractive offset orders equal to the contract value. These orders will significantly enhance the competence level in Norwegian industry across a wide range of technology areas. Several major Norwegian companies have concluded agreements with Bazan and its sub-contractors which can be described as partnership agreements. Based on an overall evaluation the Government has concluded that the Spanish supplier has the best offer. Independent risk assessment shows that there is a risk that the total project budgetary limit of 12,24 billion 1999 NOK may be exceeded.
Analysis shows that action can be taken to reduce the uncertainty.
Some measures have already been determined and additional will be implemented. It may still be advisable to make budgetary allowances. In the near future, the Government will table a Proposition to the Parliament which describes all relevant aspects of the project, including uncertainty. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered between 2005 and 2009. Needs Norway manages resources and exercises authority in an ocean area seven times the Norwegian mainland.