A new 20-metre police/patrol/combat boat design has now been completed at Dockstavarvet in Sweden. The first of class is configured as a search, rescue and service vessel for the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organisation (NDLO). A second vessel will follow later this year.
The design, called 'IC 20 M', is based on Dockstavarvet´s proven IC 16 M / IC 19 M projects but enlarged to meet quite demanding requirements from NDLO regarding loads, speeds and sea keeping characteristics. The boat is classed by DNV for Service Area R1, built in all-welded aluminium and fitted with a resiliently mounted wheelhouse structure. Main dimensions are 20 by 4.4 metres with a fully equipped weight of 34 tonnes and a loading capacity of eight to 10 tonnes. The aft deck is designed to take three tonnes and is fitted with a Palfinger PC 2700 M crane. The wheelhouse roof is reinforced to carry a remote weapon station. A Manuplus polyurethane/polyethylene fender system is fitted along the sheer strake and complemented by a rubber fender around the bow. The deck equipment includes a windlass from MB Hydraulics and Viking life-rafts and safety equipment.
The propulsion package consists of two 20-litre main engines with waterjets driven through reverse/reduction gearboxes. Ride control is provided by Humphree interceptors. Auxiliary systems includes a side-power bow thruster, one Onan 17.5kW diesel generator, one equally-sized hydraulic shaft generator system as well as a comprehensive heating system to cope with severe Nordic winter conditions (including de-icing of deck areas). The heating is provided by a 40kW Kabola heater and/or from the fresh water circuits of the main engines via heat exchangers. Air condition installation is a Cruiseair/Dometic chilled water system dimensioned for ambient temperatures up to 40°C.
"This order from a competent, high-profile buyer with a demanding specification will be a very useful reference in future projects for the international market," commented Dockstavarvet´s CEO Anders Hellman. "We are proud to have achieved noise levels well below specification. 61 decibels in the wheelhouse and 71 in the transport room at a cruising speed of 40 knots is unique in a fast patrol boat of this size. The production version can be offered as a landing craft with a combat boat-type bow ramp or as a patrol craft with a variety of interior arrangements including crew quarters for up to 6/8 personnel. With main engines of 2 x 1400kW, sprint speeds in excess of 50 knots can be achieved."