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U-600 Jurmo LCP Watercat M12

In the late 90's the Finnish Navy began to modernize the mobility and equipment of coastal defence forces. As a result the Finnish workboat builder Marine Alutech Oy Ab designed and developed the WATERCAT M12, a new type of a troop carrier for the Finnish Marines for landing and transportation purposes in all weather conditions. Initially, one prototype was purchased for the boats, and a follow-up kit was acquired on the basis of trial use. A total of 38 Jurmo-class boats were purchased, two of which were command boats. The largest project was to ensure battalion mobility in the archipelago. The Jurmo-class transport boats were developed alongside the previously used coastline class. The new boat class secured the mobility of three coastal companies of the battalion. At the same time, group boats were acquired to transfer intelligence groups and other troops. In addition to mobility, the group was provided with digital radio equipment and dark operation capabilities. A significant part of the battalion moved by land. This imposed restrictions on the overall operation of the battalion. Watercat M12 is a mono v-hull construction with chine. The boat is driven by twin 525 kW marine diesel engines and Rolls-Royce FF410S water jets propulsion which give the boat a full load top speed of over 40 kn. Sprint speed for the light weight vessel (14 ton ) has been over 45 knots. Shocks and vibration from rough seas, weapon systems and engines all affect the durability of the boat and the operating comfort of the crew. All crew seats in the boat have suspension systems. Electronic equipment must also be protected from shock and acceleration. Tests at sea must be made to verify that the suspension systems work as designed.

The vessel was designed to meet the Finnish Navy's requirement for improved mobility of its coastal defence forces in the late 1990s and had to be capable of operating in all weather conditions. It can carry 22 fully equipped Marines or over 3 tonnes of cargo. The 13m boat has a beam of 3.65m, a displacement of 13.8 tonnes and a top speed of 37knots. Maximum range is 8 hours at a cruise speed of 30 knots. Power is provided by two Caterpillar 3216 diesels each rated at 331KW coupled to two Kamewa FF375 waterjets.

Under the GRP foredeck cover are 20 individually damped seats - front hatches and the hydraulically operated bow ramp facilitate rapid troop deployment or transfer of cargo. The central, resiliently mounted wheelhouse is ergonomically designed for maximum operator comfort and is exceptionally quiet (under 75dBA). It can accommodate three people including the skipper. Standard equipment includes Raystar 120 GPS system, Raytheon RL80C Plus Radar and Raymarine L760RC Plus depth sounder.

The water jet system gives the boat excellent maneuverability and when necessary the boat can be stopped almost within one boat's length from full ahead. The waterjet propulsion system enables the bottom of the hull to be kept perfectly smooth and gives the boat a draft of just 700mm, vital for safe operation in shallow waters. The waterjets also deliver excellent manoeuvrability and enable the boat to stop in just over a boat length from full speed. An essential advantage in coastal use is that, due to the water jet propulsion, the bottom of the boat is perfectly smooth which enables the boat to operate safely in very shallow waters.

The detachable wheelhouse is situated on the engine room and the cargo hold/passengers compartment is located in front of the wheelhouse. The area is equipped with 16 pcs of damped seats with seat belts and a toilet with shower and fresh water system. Hydraulically operated bow ramp enables fast loading / unloading of the cargo and transported personnel. The boat has a ballistic protection in the hull and wheelhouse and can be equipped with two 7,62 mm or 12,7mm machine guns.

In August 2008 Patria received an order from the Finnish Defence Forces for testing Patria Nemo Navy concept. This is the second phase of the Nemo Navy program after the concept study already made by Patria for the Finnish Navy and it targets for a serial production phase. The testing will be done for a combination of Patria Nemo mortar system and WATERCAT M12, developed by Marine Alutech Oy. This project aims to create a new, mobile fire support system with high firepower and good mobility for the coastal jaeger battalions enhancing their performance in coastal protection. The concept is also believed to raise wide international interest as a new mortar system application.

Patria Nemo mortar system represents Patria’s own product development as part of the 120 mm mortar system product family. Patria Nemo is a single-barrel, remote controlled turret system for indirect fire support, but due to its direct fire capability, it can also be used for self-defence. The light and compact turret is possible to be mounted on vessel, light tracked platform as well as on 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled vehicles. Patria is a defence and aerospace group with international operations delivering its customers competitive solutions based on own specialist know-how and partnerships. Patria is owned by the State of Finland and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS N.V.

In December 2018 Defense Minister Jussi Niinistö authorized the Defense Forces to enter into a contract for the renovation of JURMO-class vessels with Millog Oy. The JURMO-class renovation project is part of the Marine Defense Battle System Development Program. The total value of the acquisition is approximately EUR 13 million and deliveries are planned for 2019-2022. Jurmo class troop transport boats (U-600 class) are used for crew transport. The class of vessels is mainly used by the Uusimaa Brigade.

Along with Germany, at least Greece has been interested in Jurmo boats. The manufacturer has also agreed to supply boats to Malaysia. The Jurmas were not consciously designed to be internationally compatible. However, the machinery and equipment used in the boats are from Europe and the United States. However, Niko Haro , CEO of Marine Alutech , a boat manufacturer , says the boats are easily upgraded to NATO standards.