ADSB delivers first fast supply ship to UAE Navy

Dubai: Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the Arabian Gulf's only specialised naval warship builder, has delivered the first of four of the UAE Navy's latest purchase, the 26-metre aluminium alloy Fast Supply Vessel (FSV).

These multi-role amphibious warfare support vessels are built by Abu Dhabi Ship building and are designed by SwedeShip Marine of Sweden for the fast supply of vehicles, troops and military equipment.

Willie Stewart, vice-president of marketing, said: "We have successfully delivered the first vessel of this four-boat contract. The remaining three are on schedule and programmed for completion during the first quarter of 2007.

"These boats add to the amphibious strength of the UAE Navy's existing fleet of ADSB built Ghannatha class troop carriers and once again confirms our position as the Arabian Gulf's leading military and naval warship builder."

The FSV is powered by twin MTU marine diesel engines driving Rolls Royce water jets that attain speeds exceeding 30 knots and a range of 300 nautical miles.

Simple to operate "joy stick" type controls make these boats highly manoeuvrable and with no under water protrusions gives the added advantage of safe operation close inshore or in other shallow waters such as creeks, sand banks and reefs.

The large main deck can easily accommodate two fully loaded 10-foot containers or wide military vehicles such as the Humvee used by the UAE armed forces.

The wheelhouse and medical quarters are fitted with a NBC citadel arrangement for use by the crew and troops in time of nuclear, biological or chemical attack and the medical room has positions for four stretcher cases plus removable seating to transport 18 fully equipped amphibious troops.

The marine demonstration at this year's Idex is the launch pad for Abu Dhabi Ship Building's new Sea Keeper Fast Landing Craft.

This impressive 16-metre vessel is on daily demonstration at the exhibition and is the latest boat to be built in ADSB's new composite facility.

At over 35 knots this versatile high-speed craft will provide significant advantages over the more traditional 10-knot speed normally associated with this type of craft.

The Sea Keeper is designed by Abu Dhabi Ship Building's strategic partner VT Halmatic of the UK for the rapid supply of vehicles and equipment. The boat is powered by twin Yanmar marine diesel engines driving Rolls-Royce water jet units.

The water jet installation makes this vessel highly manoeuvrable at all speeds with the added advantage of safe shallow water operation.