Guardia Civil patrol boats to have Rolls-Royce waterjets

OCTOBER 10, 2014 — The two 20 m patrol boats that Spanish shipbuilder Astilleros Gondan is to build for the Guardia Civil (see earlier story) will each be powered by Rolls-Royce waterjets.

This is the first time Rolls-Royce waterjets will be used on Guardia Civil boats, which operate in challenging conditions of strong winds and currents in demanding circumstances. The stainless steel series waterjets have high fuel efficiency due to good towing capability and acceleration. They also have excellent durability, enabling low servicing requirements.

“We are delighted that Rolls-Royce has been selected to provide waterjet technology for the next generation of Guardia patrol boats being delivered by Astilleros Gondan,” Jose Antonio Losada, Rolls-Royce, General Sales Manager – Spain. “Astilleros Gondan is one of the leading shipbuilders in Spain and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them.

“Rolls-Royce waterjet technology offers a combination of speed, efficiency and excellent maneuverability for these vessels, which will regularly operate in challenging sea conditions. These are essential factors for coast guards and navies around the world in addition to highly reliable equipment and a working service support network which we supply.”

Astilleros Gondan is a well-known shipyard which builds a range of vessels including tugs, fishing vessels and patrol boats. It is currently building it second Rolls-Royce design UT 776 for Simon Mokster.

Alvaro Garcia, Gondan GRP& Aluminum, General Manager, said: “Reliability and performance are of utmost importance in our industry and are how all vessels are measured, which is why we chose Rolls-Royce waterjet units. We are looking forward to commencing sea trials to confirm the speed and manoeuvrability of the 40S steel waterjets on our vessels.”

The new patrol boats will also feature the Rolls-Royce compact control system for water jets which is delivered as a complete package and has been tested and proven at Rolls-Royce facilities enabling fast installation.