Damen Shipyards Group has delivered two additional Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 3307 vessels configured as patrol boats to leading West African offshore services supplier Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited (HIOSL), just five months after the contracts were signed.
The handing over of Guardian 9 and Guardian 10 adds to the existing FCS 3307 Patrol fleet that HIOSL has been operating for the past five years and is a powerful testimonial to the Damen FCS as a versatile concept capable of effectively undertaking a wide variety of roles.
33m in length, the FCS 3307 Patrol shares the same attributes as the other variants available. Thanks to its Axe-Bow hull form, it has excellent manoeuvrability and first-class seakeeping combined with superb fuel economy and a top speed of 28 knots.
Guardians 9 and 10 will be powered by three Caterpillar main engines delivering 3,250 bkW to three fixed pitch propellers via three Reintjes WVS series gearboxes. They will have a range of 1,000nm at full speed and with full complements of six crew and 12 security personnel they will be able to remain at sea for up to four weeks, in and around Nigeria’s coastal and offshore oil fields.
As privately-owned vessels they have no offensive capability apart from the security personnel on board and their equipment, however they are well defended. The bridges are bullet proof and armoured ‘citadels’ within will protect non-combatants in the event of fire being exchanged.
