In a third recent construction contract with Damen Shipyards Group, the Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered five Interceptor 1503 vessels. The vessels will be mobilised to combat illegal activities such as terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters.
Designed for ultra-fast operations, the Interceptor 1503 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots/69 mph/111 km/h. This impressive figure is achieved by combining an outstanding propulsion system with cutting edge lightweight composite materials.
The power originates from three diesel engines, each driving a separate stern drive. The hull is constructed from fibre-reinforced plastic in an epoxy resin matrix – renowned for its resistance to impact and fatigue as well as its lightweight properties.
Perfectly suited for tracking down and taking appropriate action on illegal activities, the highly manoeuvrable Interceptors have additional space in the cockpit for search and rescue survivors.
As international security issues have heightened over the last decade, Damen has witnessed growing interest in its range of Interceptor vessels. To respond to this demand, the company is continuing to invest in a substantial Research and Development programme to design and build safe, strong and ultra-fast composite vessels.
Although the Interceptor has been in Damen’s portfolio for some time, this latest order for such a highly valued customer is a prime example of such committed research. The five vessels are in fact the first in a new series of reengineered vessels.
All five Interceptor 1503 vessels will be constructed at Damen’s state-of-the-art shipyard specialising in composite vessel construction. The first vessel will be delivered in June 2016 followed thereafter by one vessel every six weeks.
SPECIFICATION
| GENERAL | |
| HULL & DECK MATERIAL | Glass & carbon reinforced epoxy |
| SUPERSTRUCTURE | Aluminium 5083 and 6000 series |
| BASIC FUNCTIONS | Anti-smuggling interceptor duties |
| CLASSIFICATION (OPTIONAL) | Bureau Veritas & MCA |
| Special Service/Interceptor, Coastal area | |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| LENGTH O.A. | 47.8 feet/14.57 m |
| BEAM O.A. | 9.55 feet/2.91 m |
| DRAUGHT (DRIVES UP/DOWN) | 2.62/3.94 feet/0.8/1.2 m |
| HULL TYPE | 26º deep-V |
| DISPLACEMENT | 7-9 tonnes |
| CAPACITIES | |
| FUEL OIL (TOTAL) | 317 Gallon/1,200 L |
| CREW | 6 persons |
| PASSENGERS (SLOW SPEED) | 10 persons |
| ENDURANCE (AT 45 KNOTS/52 MPH/83 KM/H) | 155 NM/178 miles/287 km |
| PERFORMANCE (TRIALS) | |
| CRUISING SPEED | 45 knots/52 mph/83 km/h |
| MAXIMUM SPEED | 60 knots/69 mph/111 km/h |
| PROPULSION SYSTEM | |
| MAIN ENGINES | 3 × MDS VGT-32 diesel |
| TOTAL POWER | 3 × 373 kW/3500 rpm |
| GEARBOXES | ZF |
| STERNDRIVES | Konrad 660 DP |
| PROPELLERS | Stainless steel |
| ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT | |
| NETWORKS | 12V DC |
| DECK LAY-OUT | |
| ANCHOR EQUIPMENT | 1 × SHHP |
| FENDERING | Resilient deck fender |
| SAFETY | Operator Protection Zone with 6 saddle seats |
| AUXILIARY SYSTEMS | |
| BILGE PUMPS | 3 × hand operated |
| 2 × electrically driven | |
| CATHODIC PROTECTION | Impressed current |
| STEERING | Full power steering, manual back-up |
| TRIM TABS | Twin electro-hydraulic |
| FIRE EXTINGUISHING | Aerosol system in engine room |
| NAUTICAL, SURVEILLANCE AND COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT | |
| SEARCHLIGHTS | 2 × 100W 12V |
| COMPASS | GPS/Magnetic |
| RADAR | Marine type, X-band |
| VHF’S | 2 × watertight IMO |
| GPS/DGPS | Chart plotter with C-Map memory cartridge |
| CREW INTERCOM | Intercom 6-way system |
| 6 voiceducers | |
| 2 radio operators | |
| UHF/FM TRANSCEIVER | Portable 403-433 MHz |
| Portable 440-470 MHz | |
