For patrol operations with speeds of up to 12 knots, a low-noise, low consumption 600kW electrical propulsion system will be used. A top speed of up to 21.5 knots is achieved using the father-plant with its MTU 16V 1163 Diesel. For greater manoeuvrability, the propulsion system, as well as the bow and stern thrusters (200 and 130kW) are equipped with variable speed AC Simovert Master Drive systems.

Some ?7m of the ?45m cost of the three boats is going to Siemens Marine Solutions Division, which is not only supplying the entire range of electronic equipment, including the navigation systems, but is also designing, installing and commissioning the systems.

The second and third boats are for delivery towards the middle and end of next year.

All are replacing older Coast Guard (Bundesgrenzschutz) units in the North Sea and the Baltic and engage in EEZ, pollution, maritime safety and maritime security patrol.

The newbuildings draw 3.2m. They have a range of 6,500 sea miles at their 12 knots cruising speeds and carry a crew of 24 which can be increased to 30 if required.

Abeking and Rasmussen draw attention particularly to their good seaholding, 30 knot fast deployment, FiFi and emergency towing capabilities. Being built to German Lloyd specifications, they are classed GL + 100 A5 ME 'Patrol Boat', GL + MC G Aut RP 1.