VESSEL REVIEW | Sea Hawk, Sea Dragon & Sea Eagle – New fast patrol boats for Australia's New South Wales Police
The New South Wales Police Force of Australia recently took delivery of three new patrol vessels in a series built by local company Norman R. Wright and Sons (NRW).
Sea Hawk, Sea Dragon, and Sea Eagle will replace an ageing fleet of boats. The new vessels have increased amenity, which will make it easier for operators to perform their duties.
The newbuilds each measure 12 metres (39 feet) long and weigh 10 tonnes. Two Volvo Penta D6-IPS inboard engines that each produce 283 kW (380 hp) at 3,500 rpm deliver speeds of up to 35 knots and a range of 250 nautical miles, making the boats ideal for offshore operations.
The IPS installation is fitted with integrated trim tabs providing ride control. Also integrated is the Volvo position and direction hold by the push of a button. Manouverability is excellent and the vessel can nearly turn within its own length using the joystick control without the need of a bow thruster.
Fully equipped for patrols and SAR
In addition, each vessel is equipped with the latest navigation and satellite communications equipment allowing remote integration with search and rescue software to better monitor and direct marine searches. This capability is boosted by the latest thermal FLIR imaging cameras capable of live streaming to a central operations centre, three Furuno displays, and a PC workstation with a large LCD screen.
The vessels are specifically designed for police enforcement with a mobile connection capability to all police systems, to better manage marine operations such as boarding, patrolling, and performing sea rescues. A minimum crew of two officers is required to operate the vessels.
The crew have access to a fully air-conditioned cabin with reverse cycle air conditioning, day beds for two, an enclosed head with shower, large amounts of dry and wet storage, greater range, a flush deck, an open transom with hydraulic lifting transom platform for retrieving items from the water and tow post.
Custom made PU-coated fendering along the sheer, topsides and bow pusher fender also allows the boats to push up to all types of vessels without worrying about having to put inflatable fenders out.
Lightweight, durable construction for harsh operating conditions
“The client was after a versatile boat that was efficient, comfortable and capable of performing in heavy offshore conditions,” Tony Riek, NRW Managing Director, told Baird Maritime.”Diesel inboard power was stipulated and there was a desire for modern/advanced controls and manoeuvrability. We offered the Volvo IPS system as the best option to deliver all of those requirements.”
“The client also requested an FRP build,” added NRW Senior Naval Architect Adam Evripidou. “Our specialty is optimised epoxy/foam core E-glass/carbon composite DNV-approved structures using innovative panel construction techniques. We were able to provide a superior, lighter, structure than that of solid FRP offerings.”
The use of a lightweight material was partly driven by a need to make servicing and maintenance of the vessels as streamlined as possible.
“Domestic commercial vessels measuring 12 metres long or less are subject to reduced crewing requirements and are popular with government organisations for patrol, SAR, research and compliance functions,” said Riek. “The market is dominated by outboard-powered aluminium RIBs that typically are limited in respect to range and amenity whilst also often being expensive to maintain (e.g., aluminium corrosion and PVC tube repairs).”
The design brief provided NRW the opportunity to develop an inboard diesel powered composite vessel in this class with a unique set of advantages. These include:
Volvo diesel IPS drives for improved efficiency and range
A long operational life with lower maintenance requirements and improved corrosion resistance
The ability to withstand extreme operating conditions of up to 5g loading
An efficient warped hullform and extended waterline for improved fuel efficiency and seakeeping
Improved space utilisation and storage volumes with the monocoque composite structure
Resilient coated foam collar fender allowing for greater vessel moulded beam and accommodation spaces compared with inflatable fenders
Full walkaround decks
Systems that allow crews to extend their operating range and services, while providing amenity for multi-overnighting missions
A tow post is fitted forward in the cockpit and works in combination with the transom and gates, which also double to constrain the rope within the beam of the vessel. A rope reel is fitted in close proximity to the tow post.
A hydraulic lifting transom platform is fitted with remote control. This feature enables the client to lift heavy items from the water whilst preventing back strain.
The design also provides the users with multiple access points to other vessels. The bow rail is open and offers over the bow boarding with the pusher fender which covers the anchor.
Powerful propulsion coupled with a unique hull form
“This was NRW’s first IPS installation and we had a lot of learning to do,” said Evripidou. “We worked closely with Volvo both in Australia and Sweden to ensure we offered the client the optimum solution. The client trialled an IPS boat before we signed the contract and were sold on the concept from this trial.
“From a boat builder’s perspective, the IPS integrates steering, exhaust and sea water inlet making it the perfect package for a 12-metre vessel. Dealing with one supplier for all of these functions is better for us as designers and builders and ultimately for the client in terms of maintenance and warranty.”
NRW’s proprietary hull form combined with the forward-facing propellers offers superior propulsive efficiency to inclined shafts in a conventional hull. The new vessel therefore has less power and much higher displacement due to the significant increase in amenity (i.e., generator, air-conditioning, hydraulic lifting swim platform, etc.) but resulted in significantly less fuel consumption to achieve the same cruise speeds and produced a higher maximum speed.
NRW’s performance figures exceeded expectations in all areas.
The structure has been designed and space allowed for the possible future fitment of a gyrostabiliser, though the platform with its wrapped planing hull and flatter aft sections provide a naturally stable vessel.
“The vessels were built during a post-Covid period of growth in the marine and construction sectors resulting in escalating material prices, supply chain delays, and labour resource constraints, all of which proved to be challenging,” Riek told Baird Maritime.
“From a design viewpoint, the IPS system proved to offer great efficiency and functionality and we see this as an option for other boats we may design in the future,” said Evripidou. “From a build viewpoint, the ability to install the complete IPS package late in the build process significantly helps with construction efficiency by reducing worker congestion around the already tight workspaces on a 12-metre vessel.”
NSW Police anticipates the new vessels will operate for at least another 15 years. Their area of responsibility will encompass the major ports and harbours of Sydney, Botany Bay, Broken Bay, and Newcastle.
