|
Denmark – Future Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Rewritten – November 2006 Program Status: Projected. Operational Requirement: The Royal Danish Navy (RDN) has a requirement for a modern force of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) to conduct security patrol, search and rescue (SAR), and law enforcement (fishery protection, illegal immigration, smuggling) operations in its coastal waters and economic exclusion zone (EEZ). Program Background: In 1991 and 1992, the RDN took delivery of four Thetis class OPVs that will need to be replaced beginning around 2022. The sea service will probably begin planning for up to four replacement vessels beginning in 2015. The OPVs will probably be built at either Odense Steel Shipyard or Svenborg Vaerft in Denmark. The four units of the Thetis class were constructed at Svenborg Vaerft from 1988 through 1991. Program Acquisition Plan: There is currently no known acquisition plan for a new class of OPVs. However, assuming that the RDN will maintain its OPV fleet past 2020, the sea service will probably begin conceptualizing the replacement of the Thetis class by 2015 in order to affect a construction contract by 2019. Four units will probably be built with commissioning beginning around 2022. Based on this information, the following acquisition plan, for a potential buy of up to four units valued at US$150M each, is projected: Concept Start 2015 Concept Select 2016 Contract Design 2017 Construction Contract RfP 2018 Construction Contract Award 2019 First of Class Commissions 2022 Design and Construction Considerations: Design and construction considerations are purely speculative. However, it can be anticipated that the new OPVs will be similar in dimensions and capabilities as the Thetis class that they are replacing. The new OPVs may be around 112 meters (367.4ft) in length, displace up to 3,000 tons and powered by diesel engines. The vessel will designed with a flight deck and hangar for the operation of one small helicopter. Similar to the Thetis class, the new vessels will be armed with one medium caliber gun, a Short Range Air Defense System (SHORADS) and will be able to conduct limited anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations. Ship Characteristics:
Key Personnel: Royal Danish Navy
Royal Danish Navy Material Command (Defense Acquisition)
|
