Patrol Boat Rio Belelle Launched

The first of the two Patrol Boats built for the Spanish Guardia Civil was launched at Gondan Shipyard’s facilities in Ribadeo.

The contract was signed last summer.

With an overall length of 20.5 m and a beam of 5.0 m, these boats have been built in Aluminum and Fiber (GRP) in Gondan’s Vegadeo yard. Both are scheduled to be delivered this summer.

These two Patrol Vessels are designed and equipped for surveillance, fighting drug trafficking and illegal immigration, plus protection of the marine environment, according to the duties of the Guardia Civil. Built for a service life of at least 15 years, the boats can reach 25 knots speed thanks to their waterjets powered by more than 2,000 HP.

With a range of more than 570 miles, they comply with MARPOL standards. These vessels, designed according to the strict requirements by the Guardia Civil, will be equipped with a 96-miles range radar, and provide accommodation for five crew members in cabins, according to the standard of Guardia Civil for this type of vessel. On board there will be life-saving and first aid means.

The Patrol Boats construction is being carried out in the GRP and Aluminium Division in Vegadeo, facilities where Gondan Shipyard is developing a new line of business – the so-called Work Boats – built in Fiberglass and Aluminium (GRP). The new facilities were specifically designed and built for this type of vessel. They are formed by a warehouse of 2,000m2, of which 1,400m2 are fully thermally insulated and heated. In addition, it is equipped with a fireproof and isolated welding zone, an area for resin projection and a vacuum pump for lamination by infusion. Furthermore, this plant has temperature and humidity control systems installed.