STX Finland Holds Keel Laying Ceremony for Highly Advanced OPV

The keel of the offshore patrol vessel being built for the Finnish Border Guard was laid, on Monday 25 February 2013, at STX Finland Oy’s Rauma Shipyard. The event was witnessed by representatives of STX Finland, Finnish Border Guard, classification society and media.

Scheduled for delivery in November 2013, the 96 metres long and 17 metres wide vessel is technically highly advanced, using the latest technologies and environmentally friendly innovations in accordance with the Government decision-in-principle on sustainable public procurement. The vessel is equipped with machinery using liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel as fuel. The requirements of energy efficiency and safe operation of the vessel in different accident situations have been taken more extensively into account in the design of the ship than earlier.

In addition to border safety and frontier supervision missions, the offshore patrol vessel can also be used for maritime search and rescue, military national defence and various underwater assignments both independently and in collaboration with other authorities. The vessel will also feature substantial oil destruction capacity with important meaning for the maritime oil destruction capability of Finland and the Baltic Sea region. The Finnish Environment Institute has been closely involved in the design process of the vessel.

“Today, we have reached an important milestone in the production of the offshore patrol vessel. Now it is time to begin the assembly of the ship’s hull, and thus the ship will gradually find its final form by the end of July. This order by the Finnish Border Guard is extremely important for the Rauma shipyard, as it combines the shipyard’s Arctic, environmentally friendly and technological competences. This vessel has a direct influence on employment by providing approximately 450 man-years of labour,” says Toivo Ilvonen, STX Finland Oy’s Rauma Shipyard Director.

When completed, this vessel will significantly enhance Finland’s maritime search and rescue capability also in difficult accidents with multiple consequences. The vessel’s emergency towing capability facilitates protection of sea transport from damage. In addition, special attention has been paid to the vessel’s own damage control capacity to ensure reliability of operation.

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Naval Today Staff, February 27, 2013; Image: STX