Below deck, a great deal of work has gone into fitting out the vessel in a practical and appropriate manner for a crew of four, as this variation is equipped for working on board during long patrols.

The prototype will be fitted with two 18 litre Caterpillar diesel engines driving through a waterjet to push the 15m long, 18 tonnes displacement vessel to speeds above 50 knots. The waterjet unit provides the same degree of manoeuvrability as with the Combat Boat 90 H but the centrifugal couplings which connect at 800rpm have been replaced by other specially designed couplings which can be switched off to allow vessel manoeuvres at idling rpm.

Meanwhile, the Danish Pilotage Authority has placed another order for the Dockstavarvet AP 14000 Pilot Boat, reflecting on the success of the 15 such boats already in service. This latest order is for an additional two boats with an option for a further six.

The AluPilot 14000 is a 13.9m semi-displacement all-aluminium craft with a 4.6m beam and a resiliently mounted GRP sandwich deckhouse. The hull design is based on the popular Murray Cormack lines, modified for higher speeds. The vessels are arranged with an on-deck wheelhouse with panoramic visibility and a semi-sunken saloon seating up to 8 pilots.

Propulsion for each vessel is provided by twin Scania DSI 14 diesels rated 390kW at 1,800rpm and each driving a Hundested controllable pitch propeller through a ZF 550A gearbox to provide a speed of 24 knots. Classification is to the Special Service Craft Rules of Lloyds Register.

The first delivery is scheduled for October of this year, with the second to follow in January 2003.

MJ Information No: 16826