These efforts are critical for the safety and wellbeing of those who work at sea, recreational sailors and coastal communities. Thus, having rescue equipment that can withstand intense conditions, while also providing the crews with safety and comfort is so important. The Danish Armed Forces and the Danish Coastal Rescue Service chose SINTEF when they tested their new rescue vessels.
- These are boats that often set out to sea when others must come to shore, and the crews that go out in adverse weather conditions in order to save others are taking a genuine risk. Therefore, we must do all that we can to ensure that their vessels are as safe as possible, says Anders Alterskjær, research manager at SINTEF.
Norwegian Maritime Partner is building seven new Search and Rescue Vessels (SAR) for the Danish Armed Forces. Together with researchers and technicians at SINTEF Ocean, they have designed specially built, small models that help to test the rescue boat’s manoeuvrability, dynamic stability at high speeds and choppy waters, as well as hull resistance.
Speed, seaworthiness and the crew’s comfort
- We will get a much faster vessel than what we have today. And fast help is what saves lives, says Jens Slot, station leader for the Thyborøn rescue station, which belongs to the Danish Coastal Rescue Service. It’s all about speed, seaworthiness and safety when the boats are under testing. As well as the wellbeing of the rescue crews on board. If the boat is stable in rough waters, the rescue crews will be better equipped to handle long rescue operations than if they were already exhausted from tough conditions on board on the way to the site of the accident.
- We want a boat with a better working environment on board, meaning that the rescue crews can avoid experiencing the G-forces that they are at risk for on such a boat, says Slot.
Tweaking the rescue vessel’s parameters in this way poses a challenge for those who design, produce and order them.
- Adjustments to the design of various parts of the vessel can lead to unexpected effects on its seaworthiness and manoeuvrability, which is why it is so important to test under controlled conditions such as those we offer in our laboratories, says Alterskjær.
Strict safety requirements
The vessels have strict requirements for performance and safety, with a top speed of over 35 knots and a range of more than 350 nautical miles. They are equipped with advanced security functions, and meet strict emission requirements.
In addition, they must adhere to requirements that SAR-boats need to be able to turn themselves upright again if they capsize, as it is not uncommon for rescue boats to end up upside down in the water.
In SINTEF’s ocean laboratories in Trondheim, we test everything from small, high-speed vessels to some of the world’s largest cargo ships. Measuring at about 20 meters long, these rescue boats are some of the smaller vessels tested here.
The two-meter long model boat looks small when the wave machine ramps up in the ocean basin. However, the testing done here makes it possible for both those who design the boat, and for those who purchase it, to test all possible scenarios. The calculations done here are the deciding factor for whether or not production can be given the green light.
The Danish Armed Forces have tested two different hull types. After comprehensive model testing of both designs, the modern Blade-Bow design won the vote, where the bow cuts better through the sea.
- We are getting valuable data about high-speed vessels that can be applied to other, upcoming projects, says Allan Albert Andersen, senior naval architect at the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation.
