Rescue Ship Idar Ulstein Named in Norway
The search and rescue boat Idar Ulstein was named in Ulsteinvik today, becoming the latest newbuild to join the fleet of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue.
RS Idar Ulstein is also the first vessel in the new Ulstein class, named after ULSTEIN’s long-time CEO. The new vessel Idar Ulstein was named by lady sponsor Gunvor Ulstein in a ceremony in Ulsteinvik.
The 22-meter rescue vessel employs powerful twin engines and a water jet to achieve large bollard pull and reach top speeds near 40 knots.
“Short response time is essential to saving lives at sea. With RS Idar Ulstein we combine a high-speed vessel with the size needed to operate in the demanding coastal regions,” explained Nicolai Jarlsby, President of the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (RS)
The vessel is operated by a crew of three: captain, mate and chief. She will primarily serve coastal, fishing and recreational vessels. As well as emergency lifesaving and rescue, the vessel is designed to perform operations including towing, salvage, diving missions, fire, ambulance and medical transportation. The vessel is equipped with the latest in radar technology and an advanced thermal camera.
Ulstein Group has financed the major part of the total NOK 38 million costs. The boat will be stationed in Fosnavåg, and succeed the RS Emmy Dyvi, which is currently based there.
“This is a gift in memory of Idar Ulstein, Ulstein Group’s CEO and Chair of the Board through many years, who passed away in 2012. Idar Ulstein was a great supporter of RS. This donation, honoring his life and contribution to the maritime industry, will potentially help save the lives of many people experiencing difficulties off the Norwegian coast,” said Tore Ulstein, Chair of the Board in Ulstein Group.
RS Idar Ulstein has been built at Swede Ship Marine, Sweden. There is an option to build three new SAR vessels in the Ulstein class.
“We still have older vessels stationed along the Norwegian coast. We aim to find donators who can help us financing more vessels in the Ulstein class,” Jarlsby said.
Main characteristics
Length: 22 m
Beam: 6.26 m
Depth: 1.2 m
Propulsion: Rolls-Royce water jet
Engines: Two MTU, each of 1660 hp
Bollard pull: 12 tons
Max speed: 38 knots
Building material: Aluminum
Working deck with towing winch
Fire capacity of 4,000 liters per minute