A model of the OPV 45, unveiled for the first time at IMDEX 2019 (IHS Markit/Ridzwan Rahmat)
Israel Shipyards Limited has unveiled a new type of offshore patrol vessel (OPV) at the IMDEX 2019 defence and maritime exhibition.
The design, which has an overall length of 45.7 m, is being marketed as one that is quickly configurable to take on a wide variety of mission sets including exclusive economic zone (EEZ) patrols, search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, anti-pollution patrols, and support of visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) operations.
The vessel has a maximum beam of 8.6 m, and a maximum draught of 2.4 m. It can accommodate a crew complement of between 16 and 21, and has additional berth for up to 24 mission-specific personnel. The design is known as the OPV 45, and has been conceived according to Lloyd’s Register rules and regulations.
The OPV can carry a 7.2 m rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) in the aft section, within an automated launch-and-recovery system (LARS). It has also been designed with a deck space that can accommodate 20-foot containerised modules for various mission sets.
The vessel is driven by two fixed-pitch propellers, can reach sustained top speeds in excess of 24 kt, and a standard range of 3,000 n miles at 12 kt, depending on the power plants selected by the customer. The OPV has also been designed with considerations for a 45 kW bow thruster, allowing for additional manoeuvrability especially within shallow waters.
Weapons that can go onboard the OPV include stabilised naval gun systems of up to 30 mm in calibre in the primary position, and 12.7 mm machine guns. The vessel has also been designed with electrical facilities for non-lethal weapon options, including laser and acoustic effectors.
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