The Norwegian rescue ship will have civilian staff as well as justice and defense personnel on board, the Local said on Monday, citing Norway's government.
The move is unprecedented since Norway has never before taken part in rescue missions in the Mediterranean.
On Monday, Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg announced that the country would also consider providing assistance to an expanded European Union rescue mission.
The announcement came prior to the EU emergency summit scheduled for Thursday after about 800 Italy-bound migrants died when a ship went down in the Mediterranean.
On Sunday, a boat reportedly carrying from 700 to 900 migrants capsized while heading from Libya to Italy. Only 27 people have been rescued so far.
The Mediterranean is one of the key routes for migrants fleeing conflicts in Africa and the Middle East and trying to find shelter in Europe.
