VESSEL REVIEW | Nordsøen – Danish fisheries enforcement vessel built for extended patrols in North Sea

The Danish Fisheries Agency (Fiskeristyrelsen) has taken delivery of a new patrol vessel for operation in the North Sea and the Skagerrak.

The aptly named Nordsoen ("North Sea") was built by local company Hvide Sande Shipyard, Steel, and Service to a design by naval architecture firm OSK-ShipTech. The 64- by 11-metre newbuild replaces the fisheries agency's existing patrol vessel Vestkysten, which has been in service since 1987. Although designed primarily for the fisheries enforcement role, Nordsoen is also equipped to carry out rescue missions in North Atlantic waters.

An IMO Tier III-compliant propulsion system delivers a maximum speed of 18 knots.

Nordsoen is also the first Danish fisheries control vessel to be purpose-built for the deployment and recovery of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to be used for fisheries monitoring missions. The UAVs will augment the vessel's own sensors, expanding coverage of its areas of responsibility. Deck space is also available for stowage, launch, and recovery facilities for use with a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to be employed during interceptions, inspections, and boardings out at sea.

Accommodations are available for 14 crewmembers though the vessel may be operated by only nine personnel. Work on the accommodation spaces was provided by Jorgen Jensen Esbjerg and Inexa.

The interiors are configured to meet Comfort Class 1 sound requirements through the incorporation of double walls and noise-reducing doors in all cabins, providing the vessel's crews with enhanced comfort during sea patrols that can last up to two weeks. The shower areas are built with modular wet room panels with finished corner panels and panels with reinforcements for mixer taps, suspended toilets, and cupboards.

All interior surfaces are meanwhile supplied with a halogen-free finish.

The Fiskeristyrelsen expects Nordsoen will perform around 250 boardings every year as part of its fisheries enforcement role. It will be operated out of the Port of Thyboron on Denmark's West Jutland peninsula.

Construction of Nordsoen was partly financed by grant funding secured under the European Maritime and Fisheries Development Fund.