Malta Welcomes New Patrol Boat Fleet

The aluminium vessels have a maximum speed of more than 26 knots and will assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta’s coastal waters.
Speaking at the historic commissioning ceremony held on March 18 2010, Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi described the vessels as “the pride of the Maritime Squadron’s fleet.”
“The modern and cutting-edge technology coupled with the best accommodation facilities will also provide a better working environment for the crew,” Prime Minister Gonzi said. “The patrol boats were purposely built and customised in line with the Squadron’s requirements.”
Austal was awarded the contract
in February 2009 following a competitive international tender process, which called for a proven design that addressed specific AFM requirements. The project was co-financed by the European Union’s External Border’s Fund.
AFM Lieutenant Colonel Martin Sammut commended Austal for their willingness to ensure client satisfaction.
“Austal’s professionalism has made it possible for all four vessels to be completed on time. Furthermore their continued assistance is testimony of their intent to seal this successful partnership,” Lt Col Sammut said.
The four vessels were built at Austal’s Western Australian facility and delivered to Malta via liftship.
Austal Director – Sales and Australian Operations, Andrew Bellamy said the successful delivery of Austal’s first European defence contract was a proud achievement. “This project illustrates Austal’s ability to deliver quality customised solutions within timeframes that would be beyond most shipbuilders, including those offering standardised production designs.”
Austal also recently delivered six 30 metre patrol boats for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, following deliveries to Yemen, Kuwait and the Royal Australian Navy. Work on the second of two 127 metre US Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) continues at Austal’s US facility.
Vessel Review
Austal’s 21.2 metre inshore patrol platform is a fast and versatile platform designed for coastal surveillance and search and rescue. The all-aluminium monohull provides enhanced crew habitability, manoeuvrability and fuel efficiency across various operating conditions.
An elevated fly bridge provides optimal visibility during near-range operations. The vessel is equipped with fire fighting capability via a fire monitor on the aft flybridge deck, alongside two 7.62mm light machine gun mounts. Mounting for one 12.7mm heavy machine gun is positioned near the vessel’s bow.
Two separate amenities blocks are located either side of the main boarding entry. Their accessibility from the outside main aft deck enables non-crew use without entering the vessel’s main internal areas.
Adding to the platform’s versatility is a bilge manifold located above the main aft deck, which can perform salvage pumping of another vessel if needed. A stern launching ramp allows the safe deployment and retrieval of a rigid hull inflatable boat and dive operations are supported via low-to-the-water platforms located aft.
A galley and crew mess are located in the lower deck, along with two 2-berth cabins each with lockers and bench. A four-berth cabin is located in the vessel’s bow, along with additional locker storage space.
Powering the vessel are two MAN D2842 LE410 diesel engines, each producing 809kW at 2100 rpm and driving fixed pitch propellers. Auxiliary engines consist of two Cummins MDKBUs.
The AFM vessels are classed by DNV with X1A1 LC R2 Patrol notation.
Principal particulars
Length oa 21.2 metres
Length wl 17.8 metres
Beam mld 5.5 metres
Depth mld 2.8 metres
Hull draft max 1.83 metres
Crew Acc. 8
Max deadw 6 t
Fuel min 5,000 litres
Main engines:
2 x MAN D2842 LE410, 2 x 809kW @ 2100rpm
Gearboxes:
2 x ZF 3000 A
Propulsion:
2 x fixed pitch propellers
Speed >26 knots
Classification: DNV, +1A1 HSLC R2 Patrol, or other equivalent