Damen's OPV 1800 (Artwork courtesy Damen) is a possibility for Australia's Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) competition. Damen also offers the OPV 1800 Sea Axe and the 90m Sigma class. Damen has been shortlisted by Australia - as have Fassmer and also Lurssen.
---
Australia’s SEA1180 future Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) selection process continues to steam ahead. It was first announced April 18, 2016. A 30 November 2016 Media Release announced a Request for Tender (RFT). Government requirements have been stressing:
- the three shortlisted designers should devise Australian Industry Capability Plans to team up with
Australian shipbuilders. Hence the designers are teaming:
- use of Australian made steel for the hull is important
- probable displacement may be up to 2,000 tonnes
The OPVs will be used for border protection and other missions of greater range/endurance than the existing, smaller 300 tonne Armidale class patrol boats. The Armidales have suffered from aluminium hull crackingaround the engine spaces, partly due to much greater use on illegal immigrant search than anticipated. Hence the new OPVs will have steel hulls.
---
A Lurssen (or Luerssen) OPV-80. Some are already in our region in the Royal Brunei Navy (Darussalam class). There are also Lurssen OPV 85s and OPV 90s (Photo courtesy pinterest).
---
The ambitiously tight selection and production deadlines may slip. Production in Adelaide (just two) and Western Australia (ten) also looks uneconomic and problematic.
New OPVs of up to 2,000 tonnes, replacing the old ones of 300 tonnes, will represent a major increase in RAN border protection capabilities. The emphasis will likely be on carrying illegal immigrants, over long ranges and a helicopter for reconnaissance/search and rescue, rather than carrying missiles for combat.
Pete