Non-Naval Security

VESSEL REVIEW | POA 1 & POA 2 – Hybrid patrol boats to serve Belgium’s Port of Antwerp-Bruges

Baird Maritime

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges in Belgium has begun operating two new patrol boats built by Netherlands-based the Kooiman Marine Group to a design by compatriot marine engineering firm Van Oossanen Naval Architects. Named POA 1 and POA 2, the newbuilds will be used for inspection and security duties to ensure the smooth flow of shipping traffic through the busy port.

POA 1 (Photo: MarineTraffic.com/Arie Boer)

Each vessel has an aluminium hull, a length of 25 metres, a beam of 5.4 metres, and a draught of 1.36 metres. The hybrid propulsion arrangement on each boat consists of a DNV-approved EST-Floattech 546kWh battery pack with shore charging capability, two 387kW diesel engines, two Helseth propellers, and a Hull Vane rear spoiler to increase buoyancy.

The boats can sail in diesel-only, hybrid, or full electric operating modes. Operation is possible for up to 2.5 hours at a cruising speed of 4.8 knots when in full electric mode, though a maximum speed of 19 knots can be achieved.

Photo: Port of Antwerp-Bruges

The engines also have diesel particulate filters, exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, and heat recovery capability, which can help keep the wheelhouse interior comfortable especially during winter. The batteries meanwhile have active and passive safety systems that also include an off-the-shelf AC unit used to dissipate any heat.

The boats each have three workstations, including one belowdeck compartment where interrogations can be performed discreetly. The workstations feature some of the same facilities found in the port authority's shore offices, allowing the crew to register their daily operations in real-time via a dedicated online portal called the port community information system.

POA 2 (Photo: MarineTraffic.com/Eduard Legkii)
POA 1 & POA 2
SPECIFICATIONS
Type of vessel:Patrol vessels
Port of registry:Antwerp-Bruges, Belgium
Flag:Belgium
Designer:Van Oossanen Naval Architects, Netherlands
Builder:Kooiman Marine Group, Netherlands
Hull construction material:Aluminium
Length overall:25 metres
Beam:5.4 metres
Draught:1.36 metres
Main engines:2 x 387 kW
Propulsion:2 x Helseth propellers
Maximum speed:19 knots
Cruising speed:4.8 knots
Batteries:EST-Floattech, 546 kWh
Other equipment installed:Hull Vane rear spoiler; diesel particulate filters; exhaust gas aftertreatment systems
Type of fuel:Diesel
Operational area:Antwerp, Belgium