Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The Hellenic Navy has placed an order for 11 METIS RIBs from Viking Life-Saving Equipment.
The boats will be supplied by the company’s Greek branch, Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas. They will be manufactured at a facility in Thiva.
The SAR craft will be delivered in summer 2020 and they will gradually replace boats used on larger vessels, including the MEKO-type frigates.
Endre Eidsvik, VP Sales & Service of Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment Hellas, said: ‘Being based on the very successful Viking Norsafe METIS family of RIBs, these boats are easy to launch, highly manoeuvrable and versatile, and the ideal support tool for SAR operations.’
METIS RIB can reach speeds of 30kt when fully loaded and includes state-of-the-art navigation systems. It is powered by a single engine and is between 6m and 7m in length.
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.