Each MEKO 200/Hydra class frigate carriers a single RIB |
On Wednesday, April 1, VIKING Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas S.A. was officially declared the winning bidder in a Hellenic Navy tender covering eleven (11) customized METIS Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) between 6 and 7 meters in length. The eleven boats will replace existing RIBs, already in service with MEKO/Hydra class, Kortenaer/Elli class frigates and/or other ships in the Fleet. Each frigate carriers a single RIB and one (Kortenaer) or two (Hydra) workboats. The new RIBs will be deployed predominantly to support search and rescue (SAR) operations. The delivery of the vessels is scheduled for Summer 2020. The boats will be fabricated using the successful design of the VIKING Norsafe METIS. Six (6) of them will be fitted with a single outboard engine and five (5) with twin outboard engines, as well as with state-of-the-art navigation navigation equipment. They will be able to sustain a top speed of at least 30 knots, even fully loaded and can carry at least ten persons on board.