KNRM orders DuroWipers for Valentijn class RIBs

Currently in build at the Habbeké Shipyard at Hoorn in The Netherlands, the Valentijn class of aluminium-hulled rigid inflatables are the latest purpose-designed and built coastal search and rescue vessels from a design family well known for its legendary seakeeping ability.

“As these are cabin RIBs, the performance and reliability of their wiper systems are fundamental to the success of their search and rescue duties,” says Noel Gould, CEO at DuroWipers. “Indeed, we’ve been told that aside from major engine or safety equipment issues, the only other thing that would stop these boats putting to sea would be a wiper problem. For search and rescue, it is critical.”

For the past decade the RNLI has been using Class 50 DuroWipers on its Shannon class all-weather lifeboats, and has signed a nine-year contract to refit its older Severn class vessels with them.

Dutch boatbuilder Habbeké has been working with KNRM for 33 years, from the construction of the first aluminium hulled all weather Valentijn class cabin RIB.

”There are few more demanding roles for a marine windscreen wiper than aboard a high-speed, all-weather search and rescue boat, and in the KNRM we are delighted to have yet another household name in sea rescue organisations give DuroWipers the nod of approval.”