Why Norway's Jan Mayen patrol ships are so large

Why are Norway's new offshore patrol vessels nearly the size of large NATO frigates?

Their size supports ice-capable Arctic patrols, fisheries enforcement, and a wartime escort role, producing a gray-zone ship whose mission breadth matters more than its light armament.

Norway needs large, ice-capable coast-guard ships able to patrol harsh northern waters and replace the smaller Nordkapp class. Fisheries protection, wartime escort, and other gray-zone duties demand endurance and physical robustness, so the resulting hull approaches frigate size without becoming a frigate by armament or primary role.