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Denmark – Arctic Class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Rewritten – November 2006
Program Status: In Progress. The Danish Five-Year Defense Agreement 2000-2004 authorized the construction of two minor offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) with a third unit anticipated in the next five-year plan (2005-2009). However, the Defense Agreement 2005 – 2009 when released in June 2004 contained no provisions for a third unit of the class. A construction contract for the two units was awarded to Karstensens Skibsvaerft A/S on 20 December 2004. The first unit, P 570, was launched in 2006 and will be commissioned into the Royal Danish Navy (RDN) in 2007. The second unit, P 571, is under construction and will be launched in 2007 and commissioned into the RDN by 2008. Operational Requirement: The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) has a requirement for a new class of small OPVs to patrol the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) in Greenland and the Faeroe Islands. Program Background: The RDN withdrew from service and transferred to Estonia the OPV Hvidbjoernen without replacement. In addition to the four offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) of the Thetis class, the RDN currently operates three Agdlek class patrol boats in the EEZ of Greenland and the Faeroe Islands as inspection cutters. The Agdlek class, built from 1974 – 1979, are 31.4 meters (103ft) in length with a displacement of 330 tons, and lack the capability to operate helicopters to extend their surveillance capabilities. As a result of these deficiencies, the RDN has decided to replace the Agdlek class with newer, more capable ships. Program Acquisition Plan: The Danish Five-Year Defense Agreement 2000-2004 authorized the construction of two minor OPVs. Studies commenced in February 2001, and Danish marine consultancies contributed with proposals based on a brief specification. Further work was then suspended as other projects were given priority. However, planning work was resumed in early 2004 and Request for Quotations (RfQ) were issued to Danish shipyards by mid-2004, and by the end of 2004 Karstensen’s Shipyard in Skagen (the Skaw) received a contract for the two units with an option for a third. Both units began construction in 2005 with the first unit (P 570) launched in 2006 and scheduled for commissioning in 2007. The second unit will be launched in 2007 and will commission by 2008. It is estimated that each unit cost approximately US$27M each to construct. The third unit could be ordered by 2010 if approved under Defense Agreement 2010 - 2014. The construction schedule for the class is as follows:
Design and Construction Considerations: The Arctic class is 71.4 meters (234.3ft) in length and displaces 1,800 tons. Although designated for operations in the Greenland and the Faeroe Islands area, the design incorporates characteristics that enable the vessels to operate worldwide in international operations. The hull is constructed of reinforced steel to allow for operations in 0.8 meters of first year ice. The OPV also has a flight deck for the operation of one medium sized helicopter (transport or ASW variant). Powered by two MTU 16V 396 TB94 diesel engines driving a single propeller, the OPVs are capable of speeds of 17 knots. The OPV will have up to four STANFLEX container positions with one possibly being designated for the OTO Melara 76mm/62 gun. The other container positions may be utilized for a combination of the other available STANFLEX containers. Ship Characteristics:
Key Personnel: Royal Danish Navy
Royal Danish Navy Material Command (Defense Acquisition)
Naval Team Denmark
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