VESSEL REVIEW | Monjed 2 – Versatile firefighting boat for Kuwait emergency response agency

MetalCraft Marine of Ontario, Canada, has handed over a new aluminium catamaran firefighting and rescue boat to the Kuwait Fire Force.

Designed by Walker Marine Design of the UK, Monjed 2 has a length of 25.9 metres, a beam of 7.92 metres, and a draught of only 1.21 metres. The design is influenced by that of semi-displacement windfarm crewboats that operate in the North Sea. The semi-displacement design was selected as it guaranteed minimal hull motion even in severe sea states.

Monjed 2 is powered by two MTU 10V2000 M86 diesel engines that each produce 1,014 kW at 2,450 rpm. The engines drive Marine Jet Power DRB 500 electronically-controlled waterjets via ZF 665 gearboxes to propel the boat to a top speed of 27.8 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots. A Sleipner Side Power SH550 bow thruster provides added manoeuvrability.

The vessel boasts two Jason Engineering firefighting pumps with a discharge rate of 18,927 litres per minute, two telescopic mast monitors, and four deck level monitors. The telescopic monitors were incorporated at the request of Kuwait Fire Services Director Mosa Ackbar to enable the vessel to effectively extinguish fires aboard large oil tankers. All six monitors are operated electronically to reduce the risk to the crew.

A separate tank can store up to 2,400 litres of firefighting foam. An external water curtain system helps protect the boat from flying embers during firefighting operations. Although the use of the water curtain will adversely affect forward visibility from the pilothouse, navigation is still possible with the aid of the onboard electronics.

Equipment from Raymarine, Teledyne FLIR, Rothe, and Setcom comprise the boat’s electronics. These and the other onboard systems draw power from two Kohler 125kW generators.

Onboard facilities include a medical compartment and a cabin with four crew berths. Storage space is available for up to 21 SCBA bottles. Also fitted are a hydraulic de-watering system from US Fire Pump and two 72,000btu HVAC units and a 48,000btu unit from Dometic.

Monjed 2 will also perform a secondary patrol function in Kuwaiti service.