The Royal Moroccan Navy made an order to Damen Shipyards Group for the supply of five Interceptors 1503. The new vessels will be built at the Dutch shipyard and be delivered from June 2016 to early 2017. Such equipment will serve for anti-smuggling and anti-terrorism duties in Moroccan waters.
Damen Interceptor 1503 is an ultra-high-speed vessel developed for missions such as patrol, interception, combat illicit activities, and protection of the national territory.
Interceptor 1503
The Interceptor 1503 features lightweight design, a hard-chined, deep-V hull and a cockpit design providing unobstructed visibility. Her lightweight design and efficient hull form provide safe and reliable operation, as well as good sea-keeping performance at high speeds in all waters.
The front section hosts two hatches, leaving an additional deck space for search-and-rescue survivors. Spray rails at the bottom and at the chines keep the boat dry.
The vessel is handled by a crew of six, with saddle seats especially designed to increase safety and comfort, and can accommodate up to ten passengers.
Equipment
The vessel is equipped with a resilient deck fender, 12V DC electrical equipment and Super High Holding Power (SHHP) anchor equipment. Auxiliary equipment include three hand-operated and two electrically-driven bilge pumps, impressed current cathodic protection system, twin-electro-hydraulic trim tabs, aerosol fire extinguishing system in the engine room, and full power steering with manual back-up.
Navigation and communications systems
The Interceptor 1503 features navigation and communication systems such as:
– a GPS / DGPS chart plotter with C-Map memory cartridge,
– a GPS / magnetic compass for accurate navigational information,
– two 100W 12V searchlights,
– a six-way intercom system with six voiceducers and six radio operators,
– a marine radar with X-band frequency.
A UHF / FM transceiver is installed to provide voice and data communications using the frequency ranges between 403MHz to 433MHz and between 440MHz and 470MHz. The vessel also features two watertight radio systems that are capable of using IMO standard very high frequency (VHF) communications.
