Fast Supply Vessel makes waves
Richard Scott
The first of four 26m Fast Supply Vessels built by Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) for the UAE Navy is being put through its paces at the IDEX marine demonstration site.
Built to a SwedeShip Marine design, these multirole amphibious warfare support vessels are designed for the fast transit of vehicles, troops and military equipment.
“We have successfully delivered the first vessel of this four-boat contract,” ADSB vice president of marketing Willie Stewart told the IDEX Show Daily. “The remaining three boats are on schedule and programmed for completion during the first quarter of 2007. These boats add to the amphibious strength of the UAE Navy’s existing fleet of ADSB built Ghannatha class troop carriers.” Twelve of the 24m Ghannatha vessels are now in service with the UAE Navy and UAE Coast Guard.
Powered by twin MTU 1,000kW marine diesel engines driving Rolls- Royce waterjets, the craft are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots and a range of 300 nautical miles. According to ADSB, simple to operate ‘joystick’ type controls make these boats highly manoeuvrable – and with no underwater protrusions they offer the added advantage of safe operation in shallow water conditions close to shore.
Built in aluminium alloy, the design employs a hydraulically operated ‘visor’ type bow door to allow for vehicle embarkation and offload. The large main deck can accommodate two fully loaded 10ft containers or wide load military vehicles such as the UAE Armed Forces’ ‘Humvee’.The wheelhouse and medical quarters are fitted with an NBC citadel arrangement. Space in the medical room allows for the transport of four stretcher cases plus removable seating for 18 fully equipped troops.
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