26m Patrol Interceptor Vessel for Oman is released

BMT (Southampton) has launched its first ‘ARES 85 Hercules’ Patrol Interceptor Vessel (PIV), built in Turkey. The new interceptor is said to be capable of speeds in excess of 50 knots and is destined for the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG) which has ordered fourteen Patrol Boats within a 4-year acquisition program.

“Supporting operations conducted by coast guards, police forces and navies, the boat can be deployed in marine patrol and surveillance in territorial seas, anti-smuggling interceptor duties, marine law enforcement operations, special forces operations, and rapid response actions,” says John Bonafoux, Director of Business Development at BMT. “It can also be used to support offshore and fast patrol vessels during operations at sea.”

This latest contract for a governmental customer signifies BMT’s reach into a growing market area for larger, faster interceptors needed to combat threats at sea.