Danish defence ministry taps Norwegian builder for new rescue boats

The Danish Ministry of Defence, through the Defence Acquisition Logistics Organisation, has selected Norwegian boatbuilder Maritime Partner for the construction of seven new search and rescue (SAR) boats in a series.

The DNV-classed boats will be operated by the Danish Coastal Rescue Service (DCRS), a maritime SAR unit under the Royal Danish Navy.

Each SAR boat will have a hull and a superstructure made from partially recycled aluminium, a length of 21.7 metres, a beam of 5.9 metres, and space for five crewmembers plus rescued survivors. Two 1,200kW IMO Tier III-compliant engines driving waterjets will deliver speeds in excess of 35 knots, a range of over 350 nautical miles, and a bollard pull of nine tonnes.

The boats will feature fully-redundant systems and self-righting capability, allowing these to be operated under all weather conditions. Each boat will be designed to be capable of self-righting even with a damaged wheelhouse.

The DCRS boats will also be equipped for external firefighting.