U.S. shipbuilder Vigor said it has begun constructing a fifth 45’ Response Boat - Medium C (RB-M C) for its long-time customer, the New York Police Department (NYPD) Harbor Unit.
The vessel will be fabricated at Vigor Ballard (formerly Kvichak Marine) in the Seattle metro area with delivery expected in November. It will be the seventh RB-M C built for three different police departments.
The RB-M C is the commercial variant of the Response Boat - Medium (RB-M) designed by Vigor in partnership with Camarc Design for high speed and high performance, including tactical handling and specialized mission capabilities for the U.S. Coast Guard. To date, 174 RB-Ms have been delivered to the Coast Guard. The commercial variant offers more crew comfort and amenities than the RB-M while maintaining the capabilities needed for maritime security, according to the builder.
Vigor said it has been steadily expanding its production capabilities and its international footprint in high performance vessels following its acquisitions of Kvichak and Oregon Iron Works, both now operating under the Vigor name. It is currently building two RB-Ms for Jordan and is in active negotiations with other nations. Its Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) and SEALION I, II and III for the U.S. Navy have earned respect around the world. Vigor’s autonomous vessel deliveries also continue to grow following the delivery of Sea Hunter built in partnership with Leidos for DARPA and the recent delivery of three autonomous vessels to a foreign customer.
RB-M C Key Characteristics
- Overall length: 44’11”
- Beam, overall: 14’7”
- Draft (RFS): 3.0’
- Fuel capacity: 495 gallons
- (2) Volvo D-13-800
- Twin Disc MG5114SC marine gears
- Top speed: >40 knots
- Rolls Royce Kamewa FF375S waterjets
- Vector-Stick integrated control system
- FLIR M400XR system
- Kohler 9kW genset for AC power
- Deck Heat
- Furuno Navnet system
- Redundant GPS & sounders
- Climate controlled pilot house and cabin
- Heated windows
- (2) Rescue zones