Following the delivery of the prototype, which entered regular service under the name "Omiš," this is the first coastal patrol vessel in a series of five vessels contracted for the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia.
- Congratulations to Brodosplit on the launch. By the end of this year, the Croatian Navy will have a coastal patrol vessel intended for the Coast Guard in its fleet, said Defense Minister Ivan Anušić, adding that the completion of this project continues the modernization and strengthening of the Croatian Navy.
Launch of a coastal patrol ship
After signing the contract amendment for the construction of coastal patrol vessels in March this year, which regulated the manner and deadline for completing Newbuild 541, all dynamic plans are being fully realized. The delivery deadline for the first vessel in the series is by the end of 2024.
The vessel is 43.16 meters long and equipped with a remotely controlled weapon station with a 30mm automatic cannon, two manually operated 12.7mm machine guns, and four portable anti-aircraft missile systems. The vessel can accommodate 17 crew members and has a sailing autonomy of 10 days. Its speed of 28 knots is ensured by main ship engines with a power of 2 x 2525 kW (2 x 3386 horsepower).
The delivery of the coastal patrol vessel "Omiš," which significantly improved the capabilities of the Croatian Navy and the Croatian Coast Guard with its technical and navigational characteristics, contributed to strengthening maritime security and more effective monitoring and protection of Croatian rights and interests at sea.
Members of the Croatian Navy have expressed great satisfaction with the OOB-31 "Omiš" during previous joint exercises. We are also pleased that, in cooperation and under the supervision of the Ministry of Defense, we have built an excellent vessel, and the vessels in the series will have even more additional features in line with technological developments and practical experience.
Coastal Patrol Vessel 'Omiš'
Newbuild 541 has complete nuclear-biological-chemical protection, the ability for hermetic sealing, and a ship decontamination station. It also has a fast rigid-hulled jet boat for six fully equipped special forces members, which can be launched from the stern ramp while the mother ship is in motion, reaching speeds of over 40 knots. To reduce its thermal signature when needed, the vessel can redirect the exhaust pipe below the waterline.
Among other things, the vessel is equipped with high-resolution day cameras for target detection and tracking, a thermal camera for long-distance target detection, and two special night vision binoculars. For firefighting on another vessel or onshore, a firefighting monitor with a capacity of 1250 liters per minute and a range of 50 meters is installed on the wheelhouse deck.
The crew of the vessel is currently undergoing theoretical training according to their specialties and familiarizing themselves with the ship's characteristics, management, and maintenance, provided by the builder.
Following today's launch of the vessel into the water, final outfitting and finishing work will continue, along with simultaneous testing of the installed equipment and systems while the vessel is still in port. Very soon after that, the prescribed sea trials and live-fire exercises will begin.