Safehaven Marine MD launches its latest 60-feet high-speed vessel

An internationally recognised Irish speedboat builder, Safehaven Marine MD, recently launched Thunder Child, its latest and fastest naval patrol and search and rescue (SAR) vessel at the Port of Cork.
The newly built high speed vessel is carrying out a series of sea trials in preparation for its circumnavigation of Ireland record-breaking bid next summer.
Thunder Child is equipped with wave-piercing technology and surface-drive propulsion, as well as HD radar, high-spec thermal night vision cameras, shock-mitigation seating, and surface-drive propulsion.
Build of advanced lightweight cored composite materials, it is powered by a pair of Caterpillar C12.9 turbocharged, supercharged and intercooler diesel engines which produce 1,000hp each, and propelled by Italian-manufactured surface drives, allowing for a top speed of 60 knots. Thunder Child is fitted with 5,000-litre fuel tanks allowing a range of over 750 nautical miles. A crew of 10 can be seated onboard.
“We have been designing and building boats here in Cork for almost 20 years now, and our vessels are in use worldwide in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia,” Frank Kowalski from Safehaven Marine MD said. “We continuously innovate to build faster, stronger, more effective, multi-functional boats that are not only built for the incredibly difficult conditions at sea, but also high speed marine operations.”
Thunder Child will try and set a new record for the circumnavigation of Ireland via Rockall, which is, according to  Frank Kowalski, a real challenge for any vessel.
“The route involves a 1,000km open-ocean crossing into the North Atlantic, one of the roughest and most notorious seas on the planet,” he said.  “But for Thunder Child, I am confident that we will set a new record and have a safe, albeit nail biting, trip. The trip will involve several hours’ navigation in the dark and will inevitably encounter rough conditions which will put incredible stress on both vessel and crew.”