Marinelink.com
by Michelle Howard
In a third recent construction contract with Damen Shipyards Group, the Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered five Interceptor 1503 vessels. The vessels will be mobilized to combat illegal activities such as terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters.
Designed for ultra-fast operations, the Interceptor 1503 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots thanks to its propulsion system and lightweight composite materials.
The power originates from three diesel engines, each driving a separate stern drive. The hull is constructed from fiber reinforced plastic in an epoxy resin matrix.
Suited for tracking down and taking appropriate action on illegal activities, the maneuverable Interceptors have additional space in the cockpit for search and rescue survivors.
Damen said it has witnessed growing interest in its range of Interceptor vessels as international security issues have heightened over the last decade. To respond to this demand, the company is continuing to invest in a substantial Research and Development program to design and build safe, strong and ultra-fast composite vessels.
The five vessels are the first in a new series of re-engineered vessels.
All five Interceptor 1503 vessels will be constructed at Damen’s shipyard specializing in composite vessel construction. The first vessel will be delivered in June 2016 followed thereafter by one vessel every six weeks.
