Damen Shipyards has been contracted to construct and deliver seven fast Patrol Vessels for Kustbevakningen (KBV), the coastguard organisation of Sweden.
These vessels, to be known as the KBV 320 series, will be 26,75m in length, built in carbon fibre composite and will be able to reach cruising speeds of up to 25 knots. KBV will engage the new vessels in rescue, environmental protection, salvage assistance and coastal waters patrolling operations.
The KBV 320 series that Damen proposed exceed the strict design criteria the coast guard had set. The Swedish government organisation’s initial design called for fuel efficiency, crew safety and comfort, as well as operational flexibility. The Damen team improved 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 reduces slamming in the waves at high speed. The carbon fibre composite construction allows for a very light weight vessel, further reducing fuel consumption.
A slipway in the stern allows for launching and recovery of a RIB. Secondly a sliding platform is installed for a Jet ski. A deck crane is installed for handling small cargo. Full carbon fibre construction includes the superstructure. This strong composite allows for narrow window frames at the bridge, providing uncluttered views from the helm station, increasing safety at high speed operations. All seven patrol vessels will be powered by three Volvo D13 engines and Volvo IPS 1050 drives. The engines include exhaust gas after treatment for reduced emissions.
KBV head of Engineering and Logistics Henrik Jonsson said: “We participate in search and rescue missions to save human lives, prevent injuries, increase maritime safety and reduce the impact to property and the environment. Therefore, we want to operate the most environmentally sound vessels possible. We are convinced that Damen offers the best solution for this.”
Damen Sales Manager Martin Verstraaten said: “We understood the wish for reliable vessels with proven equipment from KBV. Their wish to operate the most sustainable vessel possible, inspired our team to develop the KBV 320s, integrating all the experience of our yard accumulated with the Stan Patrol vessels, into this series that purposely fits the requirement from KBV. We are glad to see them as a returning customer, after we previously delivered the KBV 001, 002 and 003 Multi-Purpose Vessels.”
The seven vessels will be built at Damen’s specialist composite yard and shipped to Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet in Sweden. After a familiarisation training programme, the vessels will be handed over to KBV. Oskarshamnsvarvet will act as a service hub during the warranty period and will remain available for service activities during the vessels’ operational lifespan at KBV.
