March 12 2002
DNV classes Norwegian Coast Guard icebreaker
There's a growing international trend for navies to build ships to classification society rules.
KV Svalbard, the new coastguard vessel that was recently delivered to the Norwegian Navy, is the first Norwegian arctic coast guard vessel with icebreaking capabilities – it can operate in ice thicknesses of up to 1 meter. It is also the first Norwegian naval vessel to be built to DNV class.
Built at Aker Yards' Langsten AS, the vessel displaces 6,500 t; its main dimensions are
Length o.a. 103.7 m
Length b.p. 89.0 m
Beam 19.1 m
Design Draft 6,5 m
Machinery
Main Diesel Generators: 4 X BRG-8, MCR 3,390 kW
Main Thrusters: 2 x Azipod
Electric Propulsion: 2 X 5 MW ABB Azipod system
Automation: ABB ADVANT Station 500 Series
Class
Det Norske Veritas *1A1, Icebreaker POLAR - 10 RPS F-A E0
HELDK-SH DEICE FireFighter1
In addition to its hull, marine systems and machinery meeting DNV’s requirements, the ship is capable of carrying out icebreaking operations in Norway’s northernmost areas and has equipment to prevent it from being ice-bound.
With its helideck and hangar enabling it to have a helicopter on board, and its ability to carry out fire-fighting operations, this is an advanced ship that has been a challenging job for both DNV in Ålesund and Langsten, says DNV.
Despite the many challenges involved, the deadlines and limits stipulated were met. KV Svalbard was delivered on time, within budget and in compliance with the quality demanded by DNV’s rules.
While KV Svalbard is the first Norwegian naval vessel to be built to DNV class, both the Danish and British navies have transferred some of their ships to DNV class.
DNV says it has gained valuable experience from collaborating with these countries’ navies. This collaboration has also confirmed that the system that has long been used for building and following up civilian vessels can also be applied to military craft, says DNV.
