BMT has successfully completed sea trials for the first of two 48m patrol boats destined for the Qatar Coastguard. Partnering with ARES Shipyard (ARES), the duo have designed and built 17 patrol boats from advanced composites in just 36 months – 18 months ahead of schedule. The last in the series – the 48m ARES 150 HERCULES has just completed sea trials which have been hailed a success with the vessel achieving a maximum speed of 37 knots.
The 48m ARES 150 HERCULES has just completed sea trials. Picture: BMT
The total order from the Qatar Ministry of Interior, Coastguard has comprised of three different vessel sizes: five of 24 metres, 10 of 34 metres and two of 48 metres.
BMT has been responsible for the Naval Architecture, including hull development, class level design and engineering work on all three vessel sizes. BMT’s team of naval architects and engineers have worked closely with ARES to develop the designs for the vessels which meet the customer’s stringent performance and comfort requirements.
The 48m ARES 150 HERCULES has just completed sea trials. Picture: BMT
John Bonafoux, Managing Director at BMT comments: “It’s fantastic to see yet another one of our designs in the water – a great achievement that the team can be extremely proud of. ARES 150 HERCULES represents a high-quality patrol boat with fantastic seakeeping ability, minimum noise levels and high manoeuvrability. ARES is a talented and skilled yard and we’re looking forward to continuing our collaboration with the team.”
Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman and Executive Director at ARES Shipyard says: “These boats break two important records – firstly, they have become the largest composite hull military ship to have ever been built in Turkey and secondly, with its speed of 37 nautical miles an hour, it is the world’s fastest offshore patrol vessel (OPV). It is exciting to also report that the outstanding performance of the first ARES 150 HERCULES has also led to an immediate order for a further three vessels."
