Australian state fisheries service orders OPV

The fisheries department of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has awarded the design contract for its new offshore patrol vessel to Sherwood Marine Design, to be built by Yamba Welding and Engineering.

Primary operations for the vessel will be along the NSW north coast, extending out to Lord Howe Island. The role demands excellent seakeeping with the added challenges of negotiating difficult coastal bars.

In keeping with this requirement, the bow shape is fine but with sufficient volume and lifting sections to prevent broaching in steep following seas. The hull also features prop tunnels for fuel efficiency and reduced draught, with cutaway skeg and large rudders for good helm authority.

Propulsion is by twin Caterpillar C18s for a 28-knot maximum speed, and fuel capacity for a 500nm range with reserve at 20-knot cruising speed. Gearboxes are Twin Disc including the Express system for joystick control of engines and bowthruster.

The client had specific detailed requirements for functionality and layout, which have been cleverly incorporated into the design. Features include a full height workshop forward of the engine room, sleeping accommodation for eight crew, wheelhouse with all round vision, and large galley/mess area.

Other features include a five-metre RIB tender recessed into the main deck aft, utility/stores crane, and pot hauler and winch for deploying research equipment.

Construction is underway with expected completion in mid-2018.