New Norwegian lifeboat
Swedish shipyard Swede Ships has delivered the first of a new series of lifeboat to the Norwegian rescue Society. The boat is named after Ida Ulstein the now deceased past chairman of the Ulstein Group which sponsored the lifeboat.
Constructed in aluminium the multi-chine hull is a development and enlargement of early lifeboat designs from Swede Ship which has made lifeboat construction one of its major specialities. With a length of 22 metres, this new design is designed for offshore rescue and salvage operations off the Norwegian coast and it is equipped for towing and salvage operations and fire-fighting as well as rescue work.
The multi-chine design is based on a medium vee hull to allow performance in adverse sea conditions. Aluminium was chosen for the construction because of its ease of repair and ability to cope with harsh conditions. The hull has longitudinal stringers that in turn are supported by ring frames and a resilient foam fender is fitted around the hull.
The Ida Ulstein is powered by a pair of MTU 2000 Series diesels of 1220 kW each and these are couple to Rolls Royce water jets. A hydraulically-powered bow thruster aids the manoeuvrability and the vessel is fitted with both hydraulically driven and a diesel driven generators. A towing winch is fitted on the aft deck to handle the 10 tonne bollard pull of the lifeboat and there is a hydraulic crane to assist in survivor recovery.
Joystick control is used for precise manoeuvring and each of the three helm stations has its own joystick allowing quick transfer of command. The crew sit in sprung hem seats to help absorb shock loadings. Advanced electronic systems are installed for navigation and particularly for search and rescue operations with a FLIR heat detecting camera and an advanced Terma radar as well as the more conventional chart plotters and autopilots.
The maximum speed is 38 knots which is high for a lifeboat and the vessel has an extensive cruising range at 25 knots. There is accommodation below for the crew and the lifeboat is normally operated by a full time three man crew. This small crew are highly trained for lifeboat operations and they include one diver to help with survivor recovery and to clear fouled propellers.
Swede Ships has built a number of lifeboats for both the Norwegian and the Swedish rescue societies and specialises in aluminium construction for both these lifeboat designs and for its range of patrol boats. The lifeboat and rescue vessel designs range from 8 to 24 metres and the patrol boats designs range up to 28 metres.
By Dag Pike
