Maritime Security Vessel News Roundup | November 30 – US-built electric patrol boats, Portuguese Navy multi-role ship order and more

The Russian Navy acquires a submarine while a future Italian Navy surface combatant is launched into the water for the first time. A US builder unveils a new series of battery-powered patrol boats. Finally, the Portuguese Navy places an order for a multi-role vessel for maritime security, research, and emergency response roles.

New Project 636.3 submarine delivered to Russian Navy

A new Project 636.3 diesel-electric attack submarine was handed over to the Russian Navy in a ceremony in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday, November 28.

Named after a town in western Russia, Mozhaisk will be assigned to the Russian Pacific Fleet along with five other Project 636.3 boats. Armament includes torpedoes, mines, and Kalibr cruise missiles.

The submarine was built by the Admiralty Shipyards division of state-owned United Shipbuilding Corporation.

Future Italian Navy frigate hits the water

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri recently launched the future Spartaco Schergat, one of 10 FREMM frigates being built for the Italian Navy.

Named in honour of a Royal Italian Navy frogman who was decorated for his actions in the Second World War, the vessel measures 144 by 19.7 metres and can reach speeds of over 27 knots. Accommodations will be available for 200 crewmembers and other personnel.

Delivery is scheduled for 2025.

Washington builder to introduce electric patrol boats

Boatbuilder Safe Boats International of Bremerton, Washington, and propulsion specialist Vita Power have formed a partnership with the aim of introducing a new range of patrol boats to be powered exclusively by batteries.

Examples of Safe Boats’ 23-foot (seven-metre) centre console boat will each be fitted with a Vita Power package consisting of an electric motor and a battery. A full charge will enable the boat to sail up to 10 hours at five knots, though a sprint speed of 34 knots will also be possible.

Safe Boats said the series is available for immediate order with deliveries starting in late 2024.

Portuguese Navy taps Dutch builder for future multi-role ship

The Portuguese Navy has awarded Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards a contract for the construction of a 107-metre-long multi-purpose vessel.

The ship will have a flight deck for use by helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles and a stern ramp for deploying and recovering unmanned underwater and surface vehicles. There will also be a 650-square-metre cargo deck as well as space for twelve 20-foot containers.

The vessel’s other duties will include ocean research, search and rescue (SAR), and disaster response. For research missions, space will be available for laboratories and accommodations for scientific staff.

Modular systems such as containerised hospital facilities and hyperbaric chambers can also be installed as required.