Patrol boat for Arabian Gulf features novel propulsion

Torgem Shipyard in Turkey has received a contract to build a patrol boat that will operate in the Arabian Gulf, mainly for monitoring and patrolling offshore oil and gas installations. The 45m vessel will be based in Bahrain, and it features a novel propulsion system designed to enable shallow draught operation.

For the design of this patrol vessel, Torgem turned to Macduff Ship design in Scotland, which developed a design that is similar in many respects to the large crew boats used in the Gulf of Mexico. It features a long clear aft deck with side engine room ventilator pods with the accommodation block forward of amidships. The main wheelhouse is at half height above this and is surmounted by a secondary control centre that offers and all-round view.

The machinery comprises four Caterpillar 3516C diesels, each 3,386bhp. Two engines are located in the forward end of the engine compartment where they drive directly aft, via ZF gearboxes to power two wing propeller shafts. The other two engines are located aft, driving forward via a carden shaft to ZF reverse reduction gearboxes to power the two inboard propeller shafts.

This configuration allows the vessel to operate economically on two engines if required. With all four engines in operation maximum speed is 35 knots. Steering is by means of three rudders, located between the propellers, and operated through a Wills Ridley hydraulic system. A 99kW Schottel bow thruster provides harbour manoeuvrability. Electrical power is provided by three Caterpillar C6.6 diesel generators. The fuel capacity is 27.7m³.

The 19-person crew accommodation is mainly in the lower hull, comprising single and double cabins with the senior officers’ cabins at main deck level. The main deck houses the galley and the mess-room facilities. The accommodation area is separated from the engine compartment by the auxiliary machinery compartment to reduce noise levels.

On deck, a Palfinger crane can reach much of the aft deck, and a SOLAS RIB rescue boat is stowed above the accommodation block. A fire monitor is powered by two combined service and fire pumps of 25m³/h capacity.

The wheelhouse is equipped with a suite of communication and navigation electronic systems. With no armament fitted, the role of this vessel is likely to be mainly surveillance and patrol, though it has capability of boarding other vessels. The hull is constructed from composites and the vessel will be classified by Bureau Veritas.