Damen Oskarshamnsvarvet has been awarded an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract by Kustbevakningen, the Swedish Coastguard (KBV), for the modernisation and modification of the patrol vessel KBV 181.
The vessel was originally built as a patrol boat but will serve as a combination vessel for both patrol and oil recovery after modification. It is also operated by Umeå Marine Forskningscenter (UMF) for research and environmental monitoring in the Gulf of Bothnia.
KBV 181 is scheduled to arrive at Damen's Swedish yard on April 21, 2020. The vessel will remain there until December of that year to undergo work that will extend its lifetime by 15 years and make it capable of oil recovery operations.
The modification will include enlargement of the aft deck area which will provide the additional deck space needed to allow the vessel to fulfil a diverse range of tasks, ranging from hosting scientific research missions to oil recovery in ice. The hull reconstruction will be carried out above the waterline in order to preserve the vessel's ability to manoeuvre in ice.
Additionally, a new bulwark will be fitted, including a transom door which will fold outwards to become an additional deck extension able to support oil recovery equipment. Both of the vessel's existing cranes will be replaced with new ones and an additional 80-tonne crane will be installed.
Damen will remove bulkheads from the main deck in order to incorporate a new laboratory, to be operated by Umeå University. This will include the construction and installation of a ferry box for continual water sampling and analysis for the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological institute.
Other modifications will include replacement of communication and navigation equipment, modifying the bridge layout for improved ergonomics, refurbishment of accommodation areas and HVAC equipment, and reducing noise and vibrations throughout the vessel.
Damen has already begun work on the project, beginning with the designs for the steel work, electrical integration, wheelhouse equipment, and HVAC modification.
