VESSEL REVIEW | Nora & Prinses Catharina-Amalia – New fast rescue boats for operation in Dutch Caribbean

“The boats are based on a proven Caribbean concept that has already been in use in Curaçao for 10 years,” Arnoud Straakenbroek, Global Sales Director at Habbeke Shipyard, told Baird Maritime. “Many units have also been supplied to the Dutch SAR organisation KNRM.”

The aluminium-hulled newbuilds each have an LOA of 9.15 metres (30 feet), a beam of 3.3 metres (11 feet), a draught of only 0.7 metre (2.3 feet), a displacement of 4.2 tons, and space for up to 20 rescued survivors in addition to four crewmembers.

A total fuel capacity of 400 litres (90 gallons) will provide each boat with a maximum endurance of three and a half hours.