HOORN – Habbeké Shipyard, an experienced builder of lifeboats and other commercial craft, has unveiled the design of a Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) 1405. The boat is an all-weather, self-righting vessel drawn by the yard’s Naval Architect, Pieter Meuzelaar.
The yard said it meets the wishes of a volunteer rescue station in Blankenberge, a Belgian North Sea resort. The station crew wanted a design that generates little vertical acceleration and noise, modest fuel use, significant towing capacity and good onboard comfort and safety. The company also builds pilot boats, firefighting and patrol craft, crew and recreational tenders.
Habbeké Shipyard’s FRC 1405 is based on its smaller FRC 903 SD. It has a deep V-hull for seaworthiness and performance. The forefoot length is balanced to ease the risk of cutting into waves, while still providing enough reserve buoyancy to counter bow diving.
The fully enclosed wheelhouse allows for the transport of an injured person on a stretcher. But when the water-tight door is open, it offers the advantages of an open lifeboat with a clear 360-degree view from the steering position.
The boat has water jet propulsion for maneuverability in shallow water and safe recovery of persons via the stern. The twin 850HP Kamewa FF375S waterjets are powered by a MAN i6 main engine that can go up to 40 knots! The engine and jet rooms are separated by a watertight bulkhead. Each main engine has an individual fuel supply but, if needed, both fuel tanks can be connected.
Habbeké Shipyard will begin building the first FRC 1405 in Q4 of 2021.
