The new coastal patrol vessel, up to 15 meters in length, will be used for monitoring Croatian and European waters and can navigate waves up to six meters high.
The Ministry of the Interior (MUP) has announced in the Public Consultation system of the Official Gazette a tender notice for the procurement of a coastal patrol vessel. The estimated value of the boat, which will primarily serve to monitor Croatia's and Europe's maritime borders, is 5.38 million euros plus VAT.
According to the documentation, a vessel with a hull length not exceeding 15 meters is required. On calm seas, it must achieve a maximum speed of at least 30 knots, while at a maximum continuous speed of 25 knots, it must have a range of at least 250 nautical miles. A particularly notable requirement is the ability to operate in sea state six on the Douglas scale, which involves waves up to six meters high. In such conditions, the boat must be capable of sailing at speeds of up to 15 knots in all directions.
The vessel's autonomy with full fuel and water supplies must be at least three days, and it must perform all tasks in temperatures ranging from -38 to +35 degrees Celsius. The hull will be made of steel, aluminum alloy, or composite material, and propulsion will be provided by two diesel engines.
The vessel is designed to accommodate a crew of three, with two twin cabins provided for them. In addition, up to four additional police officers can be on board. The deck is sized to transport up to ten migrants.
The boat will have mounts on deck for two machine guns. Calibers ranging from 7.62 mm to 12.7 mm are planned. The smaller caliber can engage targets at distances up to one kilometer, while the larger has an effective range of up to two kilometers and a maximum range of up to six kilometers. In addition to armament, the tender specifies numerous auxiliary equipment of various types.
The vessel will be used for surveillance of the maritime area of the Republic of Croatia and for performing police tasks and duties under the jurisdiction of other ministries that are carried out by police officers. It will be an integral part of the technical pool of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). It will participate in operations in accordance with the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation, search and rescue operations at sea, and other activities within the framework of coast guard functions.
