![[Translate to Englisch:] Shiptec_Schiffbau_Oelwehrboot](/assets/_processed_/7/1/csm_Oelwehrboot_01_2ec668222b.jpg)
Three new oil spill response boats
Aluminium oil spill response boats for the Thurgau fire protection agency
Starting point
The starting point was the Thurgau canton fire protection agency’s call for tenders on 5th August 2016.
The old oil spill ships built in 1991 and 1992 were due for extensive overhauls and the engines would have needed to be replaced. The procurement of three replacement storm-capable multipurpose ships was approved by the government and parliament.
Goals
The basic concept and construction of the boats had to be tailored to the unique conditions of Lake Constance. A prerequisite was that the ships needed to be seaworthy and suitable for the following uses in particular:
- Oil spill operations, particularly the pulling of oil booms, even in areas of shallow water
- Firefighting operations on the water
- Distress or rescue missions
- Rescuing stranded, stuck and capsized ships
- another goal was a design suitable for use in shallow water and areas along the shoreline
Challenges
The biggest challenge at the beginning of the project was in relation to the specification and complying with a maximum weight of max. 3.5 tonnes (ready for use incl. road trailer). The design and approval for boats with a diesel Volvo engine and jet drive, on the other hand, was easy. The oil spill response boats are approved for 9 people, but can accommodate 20 people in extreme emergencies. The boat is equipped with a hydraulic bow flap, which can support 500 kg and can be lowered down to the surface of the water. The Knief towing device with manual release enables the easy towing of up to 4 tonnes without any problems. The fully integrated suction pipe provides an easy reference point for the water pump. The required delivery of the 3 aluminium oil spill response boats in 2017, 2018 and 2019 was tightly scheduled and a complete success.
