According to Navantia, the main objective of this review was to pass a first engineering phase of consolidation of the conceptual design, with the approval of the ship’s configuration and critical systems. This IPDR allows to have an Initial Baseline, necessary to be able to start the functional design of the ship, carrying out a global verification and evaluation of the state of its design.
“The approval and passing of this technical milestone is essential for the proper progress of the project and allows the start of the functional design of the ship, which will culminate with the preliminary design review (PDR).”
Navantia
The BAM IS will stand out technologically not only for incorporating an innovative direct current propulsion system, but also for incorporating state-of-the-art underwater intervention and positioning systems on board, which will allow the ship to execute the mission profiles required for the operation of this ship.
The Spanish Gorvernment approved the BAM IS program in November 2022. Spanish Navy’s submarine rescue capability currently relies on the sole 45 year-old Neptuno (A-20) Amatista Mod-class vessel. Launched as a tug boat in 1975, it has not yet been scrapped because it is needed for diving exercises.
The BAM IS will feature a side-scan radar, two hyperbaric chambers, two ROVs, two underwater communication systems, emergency supply systems and an helipad. It is based of the Meteoro-class offshore patrol vessel design the Spanish Navy already operates, but features a higher tonnage and double decks.
The future rescue ship will be designed to house the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NRSS), which includes a remotely operated submersible (SRDRS). This mini-submarine is at the disposal of NATO countries and ready to be deployed in 72 hours in case of emergency.
About BAM IS submarine rescue vessel
- Length: 91 m
- Speed: Max 15 knots
- Accommodation: 48 +12
- Displacement: 5,000 tons
