Thailand Navy receives 2 new Tor 997 class coastal patrol vessels.

According to information published by Marsun Public Company Limited on September 20, 2023, the Royal Thai Navy has officially received the Tor 997 class coastal patrol vessels T.997 and T.998.
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Tor 997 class coastal patrol vessels T.997 and T.998. (Picture source: Marsun PCL)

The Royal Thai Navy approved the construction of two coastal patrol vessels, T.997 and T.998, to support its operational needs and contribute to the nation's shipbuilding industry.

These coastal patrol vessels, T.997 and T.998, are part of a lineage that began with the construction of coastal patrol vessel T.91 as part of the Royal Initiative of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej to enhance the Navy's self-reliance through shipbuilding.

Subsequently, the Royal Thai Navy commissioned the construction of coastal patrol vessels T.991-993 and T.994-996. These projects have been highly successful, and the vessels have been utilized effectively in various maritime missions.

The newly commissioned coastal patrol vessels, T.997 and T.998, build upon the design of coastal patrol vessel T.994, enhancing their capabilities to better fulfill their mission requirements.

These vessels will be deployed for coastal surveillance, counter-infiltration operations, protection of fishing vessels, safeguarding natural resources in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, and enforcing maritime law in accordance with the Navy's mandate.

The decision to procure vessels of this type is supported by a history of successful operations with coastal patrol vessel T.991 in all areas of responsibility.

Key features of coastal patrol vessels T.997 and T.998 include a length of 41.45 meters, a maximum width of 7.2 meters, a draft of 3.8 meters, a hull clearance of 2.0 meters, a sustained top speed of not less than 28 knots, and a crew of 33 personnel.

They are equipped with MAN engines generating 2960 kW at 1900 rpm, WARTSILA propellers, two sets of 150 kW 380 VAC generators, and ZF gearboxes.

Accommodation is provided for the crew, including food and sufficient fresh water, enabling continuous operations at sea for at least 7 days without maintenance. The vessels are capable of covering a minimum of 1,500 nautical miles at full cruising speed.