Shipyard De Hoop has handed over the first of two Hybrid Multi-Purpose Surveillance Vessels to Blue Octagon, an Israeli securities solutions firm. The DB Abuja will perform its tasks, set by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), in Nigeria.

The vessel, yard number 457, was handed over in the Eems harbour near Delfzijl. Sea trials were completed in mid-October. In the final week of November 2019, the second vessel for NIMASA – yard number 459, named DB Lagos – was towed to the Eems harbour for the final stages of completion as well as sea trials.

Deep Blue Concept

The DB Abuja and DB Lagos will be deployed to track down criminal activity such as illegal fishing, espionage, terrorism, oil theft, illegal immigration, smuggling and piracy. To this end, the ships are part of Blue Octagon’s Deep Blue concept.

Using a range of sophisticated sensors, Deep Blue creates a multi-layered security grid that is employed by fully equipped special mission vessels – including fast interceptors with far reaching observation systems, satellite interception equipment, maritime predictive systems, surveillance systems and intervention teams – working in conjunction with mission specific aircraft and cyber intelligence equipment. Combined, these serve as a dedicated system for improving maritime security in the Exclusive Economic Zone.

Nigeria

The goal of Blue Octagon is to assist the Nigerian government, through NIMASA, to establish Integrated National Coastal Surveillance and Waterways protecting solutions. NIMASA is responsible for regulating shipping, maritime labour and coastal waters in Nigeria. NIMASA also undertakes inspections and provides search and rescue services.

Once on-site, DB Abuja and DB Lagos have three main objectives under the training of Blue Octagon:

  • Control of responsible use of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Nigeria, including assisting in cases of oil spills or other contamination.
  • Monitoring of safety at sea and various other services to NIMASA, including supervision on topics such as fishing.
  • Providing information to NIMASA regarding compliance with (inter)national legislation and obligations.

Hybrid Multi-Purpose Surveillance Vessels

Custom designed by De Hoop to stringent environmental control, the hybrid diesel-electric powered 55-metre vessels are constructed primarily for low fuel consumption. The DP2-class vessels are developed for continuous operations 24 hours a day and are capable of remaining on station autonomously for at least thirty days.

The vessels are powered by a hybrid diesel-direct/diesel-electric system. At low speed and during manoeuvring, only one diesel engine will be used to drive a generator, which produces power for two electric motors (driving the propeller shafts through the gearboxes) and a bow thruster. This provides fuel savings at low speed up to twelve knots and when in Dynamic Positioning mode. At high speed, both diesel engines will engage directly with the gearboxes to provide up to 4700 kilowatts to the two fixed-pitch propellers (directly driven through the gearbox).

The multi-chine all-steel hull is optimised for fuel efficient operations, during both transit and DP modes. The lightweight steel construction is built according to Lloyd’s High Speed Craft (HSC) rules, whilst weight reductions have been achieved by using High Tensile Steel in combination with sophisticated construction techniques. The small entrance angles of the waterlines and the ‘long’ bowlines have the additional advantage of improved seagoing characteristics and thus less speed loss in more challenging sea states.

Even at a speed of twenty knots, the accelerations remain well within the comfort levels, while the extended and flared upper bowlines reduce the amount of green water and deck wetness. To further increase the sea-keeping characteristics and to reduce the wave resistance, the stern is fitted with a hull-vane unit.

Low Noise and Vibration Levels

The technically advanced ships feature a high standard accommodation. This includes low noise and vibration levels and added features to provide crew with an exceedingly high level of comfort. The superstructures and hulls provide integrated accommodation for up to 36 people on each vessel.

Special detachable units, containing offices and storage spaces, are positioned on fore and aft deck and connected to the vessel’s systems by means of receptacles and hose connections.

Deck Equipment

On the aft deck unit, a basic type helicopter-landing platform is mounted, suitable for an AW109Trekker or Grand New. On the aft deck to starboard side is a dedicated hydraulic pivoting A-frame davit, which is suitable for launching and retrieving an interceptor boat of maximum 5000 kilogrammes. To portside, a SOLAS approved hydraulic pivoting davit is fitted, to handle a man-overboard (MOB) workboat with a total mass of maximum 3000 kilogrammes.

Vessel Particulars

  • Length, over all: 55.00 metres
  • Length, between perpendicular: 49.95 metres
  • Length, waterline (2.50m): 51.50 metres
  • Beam, moulded: 9.00 metres
  • Depth, moulded: 4.50 metres
  • Draught, max: 3.10 metres
  • Speed, max: 21 knots
  • Complement: 4 crew in 2 twin-berth cabins / 32 crew in 4 quadruple-berth cabins
  • Total on board: 36 crew members in 10 cabins

Propulsion Plant

  • Type of propulsion: Hybrid Diesel-direct / Diesel-Electric Propulsion
  • Main power: 2 Caterpillar main engines/generator set combi
  • Auxiliary power: 1 Caterpillar 4.4 generator set Diesel propulsion mode (appr 21 knots): 2x 2350 bkW at 1800 rpm
  • Electric propulsion mode (appr 12 knots): 2x 350 kW e-motors for aft main thrusters and 1x 135 kW e-motor for bow thruster
  • Classification: Built to Lloyd’s High Speed Craft (HSC) rules Hull: 100A1 SSC G4 MCH DP(AM) Patrol

Tank Capacities

  • Fuel oil: 190 cubic metres
  • Fresh water: 27 cubic metres
  • Treated sewage: 12 cubic metres
  • Sewage: 4.4 cubic metres
  • Bilge water: 2.4 cubic metres
  • Coolant water: 0.9 cubic metres
  • Dirty oil: 2.0 cubic metres