Offshore Patrol Vessel - Design
The multi-mission Offshore Patrol Vessel will be used by the Royal Thai Navy to primarily be used for Economic Exclusion Zone roles, including routine patrols and border controls. It will also undertake fishery protection tasks as well as protection of natural resources in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea and disaster relief.
The BAE Systems designed 90 meter Offshore Patrol Vessel built by Bangkok Dock for the Royal Thai Navy is the same core platform design as the ships that BAE Systems built in the UK for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard. The platform is based on the design for the smaller River Class vessels used by the UK Royal Navy and is a highly capable vessel that is attractive to the export market. As the company continued to expand its international maritime footprint, there are ongoing discussions with prospective customers and partners in a number of markets, including South America and India.
With a maximum speed of 23 knots and a flight deck large enough to accommodate a Super Lynx helicopter, the Offshore Patrol Vessel is primarily used by the Royal Thai Navy for Economic Exclusion Zone roles, including routine patrols and border controls. It will also undertake fishery protection tasks and disaster relief, as well as protection of natural resources in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The BAE Systems designed 90 metre Offshore Patrol Vessel built by the Royal Thai Navy is based on the design of the smaller (80 metre) River Class vessels used by the UK Royal Navy. The ship’s adaptable design is well suited to the export market as it can be altered to individual customer needs and requirements, meeting the operational requirement of navies around the world.
Under a technology transfer agreement, signed in June 2009, BAE Systems supplied the design of its 90 metre Offshore Patrol Vessel, which its industrial partner Bangkok Dock adapted to meet the specific requirements of the Royal Thai Navy. This has included the addition of a 76mm gun, changes to accommodation areas, locally sourced air-conditioning and electrical systems as well as fixtures and fittings that reflect Thailand’s cultural style. Helping to support the growth of a sustainable shipbuilding capability in Thailand and self sufficiency in naval construction, engineers from BAE Systems have worked alongside Bangkok Dock throughout the construction of the vessel to transfer design knowledge, technology and skills.
The adaptable design can be altered to meet the operational requirements of each customer, making it ideally suited to the export market. The ship’s flexible design has enabled the installation of combat systems within HTMS KRABI that are compatible with the wider fleet. The use of locally sourced materials and equipment will also reduce in-service support costs during the more than 30 year life of the ship, in addition to benefiting Thailand’s economy.
Mick Ord, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Surface Ships business, said: “This is a highly capable and versatile ship which provides an effective and affordable solution to naval capability requirements. The vessel’s launch is a pivotal moment in the programme and effectively demonstrates the success of the innovative partnership we have developed with Bangkok Dock.” Outfitting continued on the vessel when she returned to dry dock in early December 2011.
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