Asmar builds Icelandic OPV

An Oceanographic Patrol Vessel (OPV) designed for patrol operations in the North Atlantic was ordered by the Icelandic Coast Guard from the Chilean shipbuilder ASMAR – Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Company.

This 93.65 metre multi-functional coast guard vessel is designed by Rolls-Royce Norway and the company will also provide some of the main equipment. Designed primarily for missions such as Fishery Inspection, EEZ Resource Management, Border Control and Search and Rescue Operations (SAR), she will also participate in duties as on-scene command and coordination platform, fire fighting, emergency towing and pushing operations, salvage operations, pollution control including oil recovery operations and helicopter in-flight refueling. Powered by two 4,500 kW diesel engines, the OPV will have a maximum speed of 19.5 knots.

Since 1998, ASMAR has built four ships for Icelandic owners and the Marine Research Institute. This project was awarded to ASMAR after an international tender where the Chilean shipyard competed with a number of other shipyards that presented their own designs.