Danish Rescue Vessels: Enhancing Maritime Safety and Support
Denmark has made a significant investment in maritime safety by commissioning Norwegian shipbuilder Maritime Partner to construct seven new Sjøbjørn 71 vessels for the Danish Coastal Rescue Service (DCRS). These advanced vessels are set to play a critical role in facilitating over 600 rescue operations annually throughout Danish waters, particularly in the Kattegat region and segments of the Baltic Sea.
Officially designated as Danish Rescue Vessels (DRV), these boats will handle various essential tasks, including salvage operations, maritime assistance, and emergency responses. Their deployment will be strategic, with planned operations from stations in locations such as Anholt, Gedser, Grenå, Nexø, Østerby, Rønne, and Skagen. Additionally, they will be available for mission assistance as needed by the Danish Ministry of Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
Fleet Modernization Efforts
The production of the new vessels is expected to be completed between 2026 and 2028, according to the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO). Commander Steen Balslev, head of DALO’s Maritime Division, expressed his satisfaction with this contract and highlighted the importance of collaboration with Maritime Partner in enhancing the capabilities of the rescue fleet.
Balslev emphasized, “The addition of these vessels is crucial for the renewal of our existing fleet, ensuring that we continue to provide effective maritime safety services. More importantly, the new vessels aim to improve both the working conditions and safety for our personnel conducting rescue operations.”
Innovative Design and Performance
The Sjøbjørn 71 vessels boast impressive specifications, measuring 22 meters (72 feet) in length and around 6 meters (20 feet) in width. Designed to be operated by a crew of five, each vessel will have a towing capacity exceeding 9 tonnes (19,842 pounds), making them robust and versatile for various maritime tasks.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the vessels will feature two 1,200-kilowatt waterjets that propel them to speeds over 35 knots (65 kilometers or 40 miles per hour), with an operational range of 350 nautical miles (648 kilometers or 403 miles). This advanced design not only meets but exceeds operational standards, further solidifying Maritime Partner’s reputation in the industry.
Strengthening Partnerships in Maritime Safety
Henrik Myklebust, SVP of Sales & Marketing at Maritime Partner, remarked on the fruitful collaboration with Denmark: “This contract underscores our strong partnership developed over the years with the Danish authorities. The design we created together is a testament to our commitment to delivering vessels that outperform expectations in the field of maritime safety.”
As Denmark prepares for the arrival of these new vessels, both DALO and Maritime Partner anticipate a successful collaboration that will enhance emergency response capabilities across the region, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of those navigating Danish waters.
