Habbeké Shipyard has ordered three DuroWipers 60 Class for the newbuild KNRM 18m Valentijn RIB. The yard has so far built 17 of KNRM’s 18 Valentijn RIBs. Two will now be equipped with DuroWipers for testing.

The DuroWipers Class 60 is designed for high-speed vessels where space and weight are limited, but high performance is required. It uses a 5mm frame with two main drive bearings, similar to the Class 80 giving added strength for vessels facing heavy water.

The company says that DuroWipers are typically specified for environment and sustainability reasons. End users recognise that buying cheap is often environmentally irresponsible because of replacement costs and the impact on the environment.

DuroWipers offers a ten-year guarantee on its wipers for the RNLI and a lifetime guarantee on its products to the Royal Navy. For commercial operators it offers a free warranty for three years, above and beyond the standard 12-month, a selling point for DuroWipers because it means no need for any spares or maintenance costs.

Hans van der Molen, technical department manager, KNRM, says that KNRM is currently evaluating whether DuroWipers are a good solution going forward for its Valentijn and Valentijn 2000 class.

“Other wipers have a much shorter lifespan, DuroWipers are more expensive, but much better quality. KNRM is evaluating the DuroWipers for use on our coastal lifeboats, due to a positive experience with DuroWipers on our Nh1816 prototype lifeboat. We expect they will outperform the current wipers especially when taking “green” water.”

Noel Gould, CEO, DuroWipers, said: “It’s clear that our reputation precedes us in the global search and rescue sector. The Class 60 wipers will help the KNRM achieve everything it needs to when it comes to safety and efficiency and improve its environmental credentials too.”

In the UK, the latest vessel to be equipped with DuroWipers pantographs is Barmouth’s brand new RNLI Shannon lifeboat, the Ella Larsen, delivered on 10 March 2019.