The five Interceptor 1503 vessels will be used to
combat terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters
Royal Moroccan Navy orders Interceptor vessels from Damen
GORINCHEM, The Netherlands, December 15, 2015
The Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered five Interceptor 1503 vessels, in a third recent construction contract with Damen Shipyards Group.
The vessels, which illustrate cutting-edge design and engineering, will be mobilised to combat illegal activities such as terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters, said a statement.
Designed for ultra-fast operations, the Interceptor 1503 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots. The impressive figure is achieved by combining an outstanding propulsion system with cutting edge lightweight composite materials, it said.
The power originates from three diesel engines, each driving a separate stern drive. The hull is constructed from fibre reinforced plastic in an epoxy resin matrix – renowned for its resistance to impact and fatigue as well as its lightweight properties.
Perfectly suited for tracking down and taking appropriate action on illegal activities, the highly manoeuvrable Interceptors have additional space in the cockpit for search and rescue survivors.
All five Interceptor 1503 vessels will be constructed at Damen’s state-of-the-art shipyard specialising in composite vessel construction, said the statement.
The first vessel will be delivered in June next year followed thereafter by one vessel every six weeks, it added. - TradeArabia News Service
