Built by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT), Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 5009 Security is a versatile patrol vessel designed for patrolling in exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
DSCT completed the construction of two FCS 5009 patrol vessels in January 2015. The vessels are the first of their kind to be built in South Africa for use within Africa. A similar vessel of FCS 5009 series is already in service with the Cape Verdean Coast Guard.
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The patrol vessel can be used as a crew boat and fast supplier, and can perform maritime safety, security of economical waters and coastal boundaries, and search and rescue missions.
FCS 5009 patrol vessel design and dimensions
The FCS 5009 vessel incorporates Sea Axe hull design. The hull is made of steel and the superstructure is constructed of aluminium. The patrol boat has an overall length of 51.25m, beam of 10.1m, side depth of 4.7m and maximum draught of 3.45m.
The Damen-patented Axe Bow concept provides superior sea-keeping performance, highest operability and fuel efficiency. The design enables the ship to maintain high speeds in strong winds and heavy seas.
The concept delivers superior motion behaviour, high fuel-efficiency by cutting down 20% fuel usage, lower resistance and reduced emissions.
Weapon systems on board FCS 5009
The vessel is fitted with Sea Rogue weapon system supplied by Reutech Group, a company based in South Africa. The remotely-controlled weapon system incorporates a 20mm cannon on bow deck and two 12.7mm browning guns, fixed at the port and starboard of the wheelhouse respectively. The weaponry, which can be operated by a hand controller, ensures accurate target tracking.
Deck layout and machinery
The cargo deck of the vessel covers an area of 225m² and offers a cargo-carrying capacity of 250t. It is installed with a range of machinery including one 184kg high holding power (HHP) anchor, two Damen interceptor 1102 daughter crafts with two inboard diesel engines, a single point A-frame davit and two 1,200m³/hr fire fighting (FiFi) monitors.
Life saving equipment includes six lifebuoys, 30 life jackets and two liferafts with a capacity to carry 25 people each. The vessel is also fitted with storage tanks with a capacity to hold 165m³ of fuel oil and 198m³ of freshwater.
Navigation and communications
The navigation and communication equipment fitted aboard the FCS 5009 Security vessel include magnetic compass, gyro compass, auto pilot, differential global positioning system (DGPS), electronic chart system, two radars, echo sounder, speedlog, searchlights and GMDSS A3 communication system.
FCS 5009 on-board accommodation
Crew cabins, pantry and mess room are located below the main deck whereas additional crew cabins and a sickbay are available in the main deck. The aft deck houses a specially designed unit for offering extra accommodation for occupants. The wheelhouse and accommodation areas are fully air-conditioned.
Engine and propulsion
FCS 5009 Security is the first vessel in its class to be equipped with MTU engines, which deliver lighter weight-to-power ratio for enhanced speed. The four engines generate a total power output from 4,000bkW to 8,000bkW. The propulsion system also incorporates four Reintjes/ZF gearboxes, four fixed pitch propellers and two 75bkW bow thrusters. The patrol boat can sail at a maximum speed of 26k.
The shipboard power is provided by three Caterpillar C4.4 generator sets complemented by an electrical network of 240V/415V. Auxiliary equipment on board the vessel include engine room ventilation with airflow of 72,000m³/h, bilge pumps with a capacity of 25m³/h, bilge water separator, dynamic fuel separator, sewage treatment plant and cargo pumps.
