Aluminum shipbuilder OCEA has announced the launch of an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) named the OCEA OPV 150, designed for sustainable and responsible maritime navigation.
Measuring 46m long and 8.5m wide, the Mediterranean patrol vessel was developed to minimize its impact on the marine environment in which it would travel and features main groups and engines that are compliant with IMO Tier III regulations.
The diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system enables reduced speed, electric-only running when necessary, and catalytic converters have been fitted to ensure exhaust gases are filtered and kept to a minimum. An efficient OCEA-designed aluminum hull and superstructure work to reduce the vessel’s fuel consumption, in turn reducing CO2 and NOx emissions. It is estimated that the OCEA vessel will consume 50% less fuel than a steel patrol boat of the same size.
A range of 2,880 nautical miles can be achieved when travelling at 12kts, with an overall top speed of 18kts possible.
Furthermore, an air conditioning unit has been fitted without CFC gas and grey water and household waste are both treated to ensure the vessel remains environmentally friendly.
The new-build will be dedicated to state action at sea, carrying out a range of operations including search and rescue missions, pollution control, diving operations and more.
The vessel, which was ordered by the French Maritime Affairs in December 2019, will be based in Marseille, France. The ship will now carry out sea trials ahead of delivery at the beginning of 2022.
