Scania helps launch hybrid-engined search and rescue patrol boat

The new diesel-electric vessel, a 17.0-metre Marell M17 SAR, was built by Marellboats, a Swedish alloy boat builder. 

The high-speed design uses a pair of 1150hp Scania DI16 V8s – the same engines used in some Maritimo luxury motor yacht models – but fitted with an extra pair of 230kW electric motors and four 104kWh batteries to power them.

“This installation is typical to many and meets the demands of the police and other governmental bodies requesting high-performance boats that operate at high speeds during long-distance transits with low environmental impact and quietly and efficiently in harbours,” Scania said in a statement announcing the new development.

The hybrid-engined vessel has a top speed of around 55.0 knots, with the hybrid system allowing it to bump in and out of marinas under full electric power, with no emissions.

The Marell M17 SAR is a boat built to tackle big waters including the Baltic Sea, North Sea and the North Atlantic. As a nod to safety, even the boat’s console is covered in soft EVA foam mats to protect occupants in rough weather.

It can offer medical support as well as salvage and towing, with all the important gear stowed in special containers fitted to the aft deck.

It can even carry and support a personal watercraft or a tender. The aft deck space is deliberately large enough that someone can be evacuated to a helicopter if needed.

Despite its limited length, the Marell M17 can carry up to 30 rescued people on board and has a special area for stretchers that includes a lifting table to lower stretchers from the forward deck into the cabin space.

It also has nozzles to support firefighting, and a rescue crane and net mounted on the aft deck.

Similar to a racing boat or commercial pilot operations, the Marell M17 SAR’s helm is located in the centre of the boat with a pilot’s station beside it.

Marill can even fit the M17 SAR’s cabin with bulletproof glass if needed, as well as shields for crew and passengers.

Marell has already delivered a Volvo Penta-based diesel-electric hybrid M15 tourist boat to a company located about 1000km from the North Pole. The hybrid system allows the boat to run in near-silent electric mode and sneak up on walruses and polar bears without scaring them.