The first Damen Stan Patrol 3007 vessel for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has arrived at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands for outfitting, the company announced on 19 December.

The Bahamas has nine vessels on order from Damen, including Stan Patrol 4207 vessels, one RoRo 5612 and three Stan Patrol 3007 vessels.

Robin van der Zon, project manager, Damen Shipyards Group, said: ‘These patrol vessels will prevent smuggling and people trafficking, so it’s vital they can quickly reach places other vessels cannot. For that reason we have developed the Stan Patrol 3007 to reach up to 24 knots with shallow draught.’

The vessel has also been designed with a recess in the aft ship to accommodate a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), capable of speeds of over 30 knots. This rib, which has been designed to meet customer requirements, features a water jet, a new engine system and a propulsion arrangement designed for optimal performance and reliability.

The vessel will be able to remain at sea for up to one week at a time. To meet that requirement, Damen has provided on board accommodation for a crew of 13, as well as a pantry and mess room.

The first vessel will now undergo fitting out, with all machinery, electrical installations, HVAC, navigational equipment, insulation and carpentry to be installed over a 15 week period.

Van der Zon added: ‘After launching, sea trials and extensive testing will follow a commissioning period of approximately 5 weeks and the first Stan Patrol 3007 should be delivered in week 26 of 2015. After delivery, the crew of the vessel will undergo training in the Netherlands, before the vessel is shipped to the Bahamas.’

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