![Photo: Kewatec Aluboat](http://media.assettype.com/bairdmaritime%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fmerivoimat-kewatec-work-1920-2.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
The Finnish Navy has taken delivery of a new logistics support workboat built by local company Kewatec Aluboat.
The all-aluminium U501 is the first in a planned class of nine to be built by Kewatec to replace many of the Finnish Navy's aging coastal auxiliary vessels. Deliveries of all nine vessels that will comprise the Uto-class will be completed by 2024.
The workboat has a length of 19.2 metres, a beam of 5.3 metres, a draught of 0.8 metres, and a displacement of 21.5 tonnes. There is also space for two crewmembers, a Fassi F120 deck crane with an 11-tonne lifting capacity, a bow door for loading and unloading, and capacity for 15 tonnes of cargo or additional personnel.
The transport capacity enables to Uto-class to fill the capability gap between the navy's smaller landing craft and the 680-tonne Pansio-class mine countermeasures vessels that have also been configured for supply duties. The shallow draught means the Uto-class can also access areas of coastline with limited jetty insfrastructure, giving the workboats increased operational flexibility.
Two Scania DI13 diesel engines will drive Kongsberg KaMeWa S36-3 waterjets to propel the workboat to speeds of up to 25 knots. Fuel is fed by two 1,000-litre tanks while a keel cooling system will allow operations during winter without the risk of freezing.
Kewatec said the new vessel is a fast workboat that is ideal for sea transport of materiel and troops in the shallower waters of the Finnish archipelago.
Facilities include a toilet, a galley, and accommodations for the two crewmembers. The onboard electronics meanwhile include a radar and a rotating thermal camera.
U501 | |
SPECIFICATIONS | |
Type of vessel: | Naval support workboat |
Flag: | Finland |
Owner: | Finnish Navy |
Builder: | Kewatec Aluboat, Finland |
Hull construction material: | Aluminium |
Superstructure construction material: | Aluminium |
Deck construction material: | Aluminium |
Length overall: | 19.2 metres |
Beam: | 5.3 metres |
Draught: | 0.8 metres |
Deadweight tonnage: | 15 |
Main engines: | 2 x Scania DI13 |
Propulsion: | 2 x Kongsberg KaMeWa S36-3 waterjets |
Maximum speed: | 25 knots |
Crane: | Fassi F120 |
Other equipment installed: | Keel coolers |
Type of fuel: | Diesel |
Fuel capacity: | 2,000 litres |