VESSEL REVIEW | RS178 – Hybrid rescue boat for operation off northern Norway

Norwegian boatbuilder GOT Marine has handed over a new all-aluminium search and rescue (SAR) boat to the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet; RS).

The vessel, which has been given the designation RS178, is the largest in the RS fleet with a length of 32 metres (100 feet) as well as space for firefighting equipment and compartments for housing rescued survivors.

Durable multi-role platform

GOT Marine said the vessel has been developed around a demanding operational profile. It is capable of switching between SAR, patient transport, towing, firefighting and diving operations, while maintaining high levels of performance, safety and reliability.

On board, the vessel features a dedicated treatment room, a diving room, a diving platform, and deck space for a small fast rescue boat with a dedicated davit. For larger and more complex incidents, the vessel can also serve as an operational command centre.

Propulsion delivering optimal energy use in both low- and high-speed manoeuvres

The vessel combines an energy-efficient hull design with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system. Two MAN 175D main engines, each rated at 2,220 kW (3,000 hp), work together with two Danfoss permanent magnet electric motors connected to four-bladed controllable-pitch propellers as well as a 376kWh battery pack.

Two Kumera KMG-450-V gearboxes are also fitted. At low speeds, RS178 can manoeuvre on electric propulsion, while the batteries can be charged via PTO from the main engines during operation.

The hybrid propulsion setup delivers a top speed of 30 knots, a cruising speed of 25 knots, a range of 600 nautical miles, and a bollard pull of 34 tonnes. RS said this is the first hybrid propulsion installation on a rescue vessel of this size in Norway.

The vessel also features a dynamic positioning system supplied by Brunvoll.

Built for all-weather use

The wheelhouse electronics meanwhile include two radars and a rotating thermal camera to permit operations under low-visibility conditions.

RS, GOT Marine, and Norwegian naval architecture firm Naval Dynamics have cooperated in the development of the new rescue boat since the spring of 2022.

Construction of the vessel was funded jointly by GarMar Holding, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, the fishermen's association Norges Råfisklag, and Helene Sundt.

RS178 will be operated primarily in northern Norwegian waters, which are characterised by demanding conditions year-round.