Swedish coast guard orders seven new patrol vessels

The Swedish Coastguard, Kustbevakningen (KBV), has signed a contract with Damen Shipyards to develop seven patrol vessels for more effective environmental protection, rescue, coastal patrol, and salvage operations.

Upon completion, the boats will be delivered to Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet in Sweden for training programs. The site will serve as a service hub during the warranty period of the KBV 320s.

Damen will deploy the vessels with the KBV after the conclusion of training.

“We participate in search and rescue missions to save human lives, prevent injuries, increase maritime safety and reduce the impact to property and the environment. Therefore, we want to operate the most environmentally sound vessels possible. We are convinced that Damen offers the best solution for this,” KBV Engineering and Logistics Head Henrik Jonsson said.

KBV 320 Specifications

The KBV 320 integrates combined design proposals from the Swedish coast guard and Damen.

The coastal guard suggested including operational flexibility, fuel efficiency, and crew safety in the KBV 320 design, while the shipyard added increased comfort and a sustainable design.

The outside of the KBV 320 will be constructed with carbon fiber for lighter weight and lower fuel consumption. It also has a longer waterline for lower surface resistance and greater speed.

The vessel’s stern will have a specialized slipway for easier launch and recovery of rigid-inflatable boats (RIBs) and a sliding platform for an additional jet ski.

A crane attached to the deck will hold small cargo, while the bridge and helm will allow a clear, uncluttered perspective during high-speed operations.

Three Volvo D13s and a Volvo IPS 1050 engine will give the boats a cruising speed of 25 knots.