VESSEL REVIEW | Customs 523 – Inspection vessel delivered to Thai Customs Department

Thai shipbuilder Seacrest Marine has delivered a new aluminium patrol boat to the Customs Department of Thailand.

Customs 523 has an LOA of 20.5 metres, a beam of 5.5 metres, a draught of 0.85 metre, a depth of 3.1 metres, and space for six crewmembers. Two MTU 10V2000 M96L engines that each produce 1,193 kW at 2,450 rpm turn propellers via ZF 3000 gearboxes to deliver a top speed of 37 knots and a range of just over 300 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 20 knots.

The vessel was built in compliance to Thai flag, Lloyd’s Register SSC Patrol G3, and Australian NSCV Fast Craft (Fire and Safety) requirements. The design has also been tailored to the customs department’s requirement for operation in shallow coastal waters.

The large wheelhouse on the main deck provides optimal sightlines for the crew, while the vessel also has high-powered search, side, and floodlights and a Simrad radar to permit operations during nighttime and in adverse weather. The deck boasts ample space for a large galley and comfortable sleeping quarters for three crewmembers on rotation.

Customs 523 will be deployed on missions including maritime border patrols and anti-smuggling patrols. The vessel’s area of operations will encompass the waters just off the southern coastal villages of Satun and Pakbara.

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