In a third recent construction contract with Damen Shipyards Group, the Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered five Interceptor 1503 vessels. The vessels will be mobilised to combat illegal activities such as terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters.
Designed for ultra-fast operations, the Interceptor 1503 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots. This impressive figure is achieved by combining an outstanding propulsion system with cutting edge lightweight composite materials.
The power originates from three diesel engines, each driving a separate stern drive. The hull is constructed from fibre reinforced plastic in an epoxy resin matrix – renowned for its resistance to impact and fatigue as well as its lightweight properties.
Perfectly suited for tracking down and taking appropriate action on illegal activities, the highly manoeuvrable Interceptors have additional space in the cockpit for search and rescue survivors.
As international security issues have heightened over the last decade, Damen is continuing to invest in a substantial Research and Development program to design and build safe, strong and ultra-fast composite vessels. The five vessels are, in fact, the first in a new series of reengineered vessels.
All five Interceptor 1503 vessels will be constructed at Damen’s state-of-the-art shipyard specialising in composite vessel construction. The first vessel will be delivered in June 2016 followed thereafter by one vessel every six weeks.
Damen Shipyards Group operates 32 shipbuilding and repair yards, employing 9,000 people worldwide. Damen has delivered more than 5,000 vessels in more than 100 countries and delivers some 160 vessels annually to customers worldwide. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.
Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale values and reliable performance. Furthermore, Damen vessels are based on thorough R&D and proven technology.
Damen offers a wide range of products, including tugs, workboats, naval and patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, vessels for the offshore industry, ferries, pontoons and superyachts.
For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of services, including maintenance, spare parts delivery, training and the transfer of (shipbuilding) know-how. Damen also offers a variety of marine components, such as nozzles, rudders, anchors, anchor chains and steel works.
In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion has a worldwide network of 15 repair and conversion yards with dry docks ranging up to 420 x 80 metres. Conversion projects range from adapting vessels to today’s requirements and regulations to the complete conversion of large offshore structures. DSC completes around 1,500 repair and maintenance jobs annually.
