Ægir-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇩🇰 Denmark |
| Category | Patrol vessel |
| Subtype | Offshore patrol vessel |
| Manufacturer | Aalborg Shipyard |
| Year commissioned | 1968 |
| Units | A530 HNoMS Maud |
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 1500 tons |
| Range | 9000 km at 18 knots |
| Crew | 19 members |
| Width | 10.0 m (32.8 ft) |
| Length | 71.1 m (233.3 ft) |
| Air Park |
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| Propulsion | 2 × MAN 8L 40/54 diesel engines, 2 × shafts, 9,800 kW (13,200 hp) |
| Armament |
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| Maximum speed | 20 knots |
Description
The Ægir class consists of two offshore patrol vessels constructed for the Icelandic Coast Guard. The design was developed based on operational experience with the earlier vessels Þór and Óðinn to meet requirements for increased size and seaworthiness. Both ships were built in Denmark, with Ægir entering service in 1968 and Týr in 1975.
The vessels feature ice-strengthened hulls and are powered by two diesel engines driving controllable pitch propellers. Design features include passive rolling tanks and a bollard-pulling winch. For aviation support, the class is equipped with a hangar located between the funnels and an aft helicopter deck. Both ships underwent refits in 1997 to extend the helicopter decks and install radomes. Further modernizations in 2005 and 2006 updated the bridge systems, improved accommodations, and added in-flight helicopter refueling equipment. Sensory equipment includes surface search radar and, on Týr, hull-mounted sonar. The vessels were equipped with a single deck gun and specialized net cutters.
The Icelandic Coast Guard operated the Ægir class for fishery inspections, search and rescue, law enforcement, and counter-terrorism within the Icelandic exclusive economic zone and surrounding waters, including the territories of Greenland and Jan Mayen. The vessels were used during the two later Cod Wars, where they employed net cutters against fishing gear. Both ships remained in commission until 2021.