Denmark has initiated a significant enhancement of its maritime rescue capabilities by contracting Norwegian shipbuilder Maritime Partner to produce seven advanced Sjøbjørn 71 vessels for the Danish Coastal Rescue Service. This new fleet is expected to play a pivotal role in the operations of the rescue service, which handles over 600 missions annually across Danish waters, particularly in the Kattegat and parts of the Baltic Sea.
The incoming vessels, designated as Danish Rescue Vessels (DRV), will be stationed at various locations including Anholt, Gedser, Grenå, Nexø, Østerby, Rønne, and Skagen. They will be tasked with crucial functions such as salvage operations, maritime assistance, and emergency response. Additionally, these vessels will support missions coordinated under the Danish Ministry of Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness.
The contract stipulates that Maritime Partner will complete deliveries for the vessels between 2026 and 2028, marking a significant step in the modernizing efforts of the Danish Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO). “DALO is pleased with the contract and looks forward to further cooperation with Maritime Partner regarding the new rescue vessels,” stated Cdr. Steen Balslev, head of DALO’s Maritime Division. He emphasized that the integration of the new vessels is a critical component of the ongoing renewal of the existing fleet, aimed at improving the working environment and safety for the personnel involved in rescue operations.
The Sjøbjørn 71 vessels feature a hull length of 22 meters (72 feet) and a width of about 6 meters (20 feet), designed to support a crew of five. These vessels boast a substantial towing capacity exceeding 9 tons (19,842 pounds) and are equipped with two powerful 1,200-kilowatt waterjets, enabling them to reach speeds surpassing 35 knots (65 kilometers or 40 miles per hour) with a range of 350 nautical miles (648 kilometers or 403 miles).
Henrik Myklebust, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Maritime Partner, remarked on the awarding of the contract, saying, “This contract reflects the strong collaboration we have cultivated over the years. Together, we have developed a vessel design that not only meets but exceeds operational expectations, reaffirming our position as a leading supplier of high-performance boats.”
As Denmark prepares to welcome this new fleet, the focus remains on enhancing capabilities, improving safety for personnel, and ensuring a robust response to maritime challenges in the region. With the planned vessels set to enter service in the next few years, the Danish Coastal Rescue Service is positioning itself to uphold its commitment to maritime safety and emergency response.
