Royal Moroccan Navy places multiple vessel order with Damen
In a third recent construction contract with Damen Shipyards Group, the Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered five Interceptor 1503 vessels. The vessels will be mobilised to combat illegal activities such as terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters, the company said in its press release.
Designed for ultra-fast operations, the Interceptor 1503 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots. This impressive figure is achieved by combining an outstanding propulsion system with cutting edge lightweight composite materials.
The power originates from three diesel engines, each driving a separate stern drive. The hull is constructed from fibre reinforced plastic in an epoxy resin matrix – renowned for its resistance to impact and fatigue as well as its lightweight properties.
Perfectly suited for tracking down and taking appropriate action on illegal activities, the highly manoeuvrable Interceptors have additional space in the cockpit for search and rescue survivors.
As international security issues have heightened over the last decade, Damen has witnessed growing interest in its range of Interceptor vessels. To respond to this demand, the company is continuing to invest in a substantial Research and Development programme to design and build safe, strong and ultra-fast composite vessels.
Although the Interceptor has been in Damen’s portfolio for some time, this latest order for such a highly valued customer is a prime example of such committed research. The five vessels are in fact the first in a new series of reengineered vessels.
All five Interceptor 1503 vessels will be constructed at Damen’s state-of-the-art shipyard specialising in composite vessel construction. The first vessel will be delivered in June 2016 followed thereafter by one vessel every six weeks.
