Emergency Service Vessel News Roundup | February 17 – Australian and Libyan rescue boats, a new fleet of 52 response craft for Russia and more

Deliveries include a rescue boat for a Libyan government operator and an inflatable utility workboat for a Dutch service provider. An Australian volunteer marine rescue organisation’s newest boat begins sea trials as a Chinese patrol vessel is launched and construction commences on a 52-strong fleet of response boats for the Russian government. Finally, a fire department serving the German city of Kiel has placed an order for a new hybrid boat to be built in Finland.

RIB delivered to Dutch marine safety provider

Dutch operator and marine safety services and training company Safetyboat has taken delivery of a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) built by Gemini Marine Boats of South Africa.

The 7.8-metre boat is equipped for general workboat duties. The electronics suite includes a Simrad radar, a 3D sonar, and a plotter.

Power is provided by a Suzuki 223kW outboard engine.

First of three rescue boats handed over to Libyan government

Italian shipyard Cantiere Navale Vittoria has delivered the first of three fast search and rescue (SAR) boats to the Libyan government for use by the country’s coast guard.

The aluminium-hulled vessel is a variant of an existing SAR boat series currently operated by the Italian Coast Guard. It has a length of 20 metres, a beam of six metres, a draught of 0.95 metres, self-righting ability, and a maximum speed of 35 knots at full load.

The second and third boats in the series will be delivered later this year.

Sea trials begin for Marine Rescue New South Wales RIB

Australian boatbuilder Yamba Welding and Engineering has begun conducting sea trials of a new RIB slated for the Merimbula unit of local rescue organisation Marine Rescue New South Wales.

MB31 was built to a design by New Zealand-based Naiad. The RIB measures 11.3 metres long and is powered by two Suzuki outboards.

The boat’s other equipment includes a Raymarine radar and a Teledyne FLIR rotating thermal camera.

China Maritime Safety Administration’s newest patrol vessel floated out

China’s Huanghai Shipbuilding has launched a new patrol vessel ordered by the China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA).

Once completed, the future Haijun 0561 will have an LOA of 64 metres, a beam of 10.2 metres, and a draught of three metres. Two diesel engines will deliver a cruising speed of 16 knots.

A helicopter deck will also be fitted.

The vessel’s area of operations will encompass the waters off the city of Dongying in Shandong province. Duties will also include SAR and environmental protection.

Haijun 0561 was built in compliance to China Classification Society rules.

Construction begins on 52 vessels for Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations

Russian state-owned company United Shipbuilding Corporation has begun construction of 52 aluminium/composite vessels that will be operated by the country’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.

Forty-four of the vessels will each measure six metres long while the remaining eight will each be between eight and 10 metres long.

USC expects vessels in the order will be delivered by the end of 2023. These will be deployed in the waters of Moscow, Leningrad, Kaliningrad, and other key regions throughout the country.

Finnish yard to build hybrid fire boat for German operator

Finnish boatbuilder Kewatec Aluboat has received an order for a new hybrid vessel to be operated by the Fire Brigade of the German city of Kiel.

The boat will be operated in the Kiel area, in the Kiel Canal, and up to 10 nautical miles from the coast. Space will be available for two crewmembers and six additional personnel.

The hybrid propulsion system will include two Volvo Penta diesel engines and Doen DJ 172 waterjets. Equipment will include Simrad electronics, a Fassi crane, and an Esteri fire pump connected to a foredeck monitor.

Delivery is scheduled for the summer of 2024.