Kustbevakningen (KBV), the coastguard organisation of Sweden, has signed a contract for the construction and delivery of seven fast Patrol Vessels with Damen Shipyards, Damen writes in a press release. These vessels, also referred to as the KBV 320 series, will be 26.75 metres in length, built in carbon fibre composite and are expected to reach a top cruising speed of 25 knots. KBV plans to employ the new vessels in:
- rescue
- environmental protection
- salvage assistance
- coastal waters patrolling operations
According to the company, the KBV 320 series that Damen proposes exceeds the design criteria the coast guard had set:
- prioritising fuel efficiency
- crew safety and comfort
- operational flexibility
Design Features
The Damen team enhanced the design in terms of seakeeping, sailing comfort and sustainability by lengthening the water line forward and thus incorporating capabilities of the axe bow. A longer waterline allows vessels to maintain speed at lower resistance in the water, whereas the slim vertical bow seriously reduces slamming in the waves at high speed. The carbon fibre composite construction allows for a very light weight vessel, further reducing fuel consumption, Damen emphasises.
A slipway in the stern is to allow for easy and quick launching and recovery of a RHIB. Secondly a sliding platform is installed for a jet ski. A deck crane is installed for handling of small cargo. The carbon fibre construction includes the superstructure. The vessels will be poered by three Volvo D13’s and Volvo IPS 1050.
The seven vessels are planned to be built at Damen’s specialised composite yard and are to be shipped to Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet in Sweden. After a familiarisation training programme, the vessels will be handed over to KBV. Oskarshamnsvarvet will also act as a service hub during the warranty period and will remain available for service activities during the vessels’ operational lifespan at KBV.
JH
