Optimal SAR and Oil Spill Recovery Vessel Concept for Baltic Sea Operations

The Baltic Sea region presents challenging environmental and operational conditions for search and rescue (SAR) and oil spill recovery activities, including strong winds, high waves, seasonal ice, and low water temperatures. The current Lithuanian search and rescue and oil pollution response capabilities, particularly the existing vessel “Šakiai”, are insufficient to meet modern operational and safety requirements. This study aims to determine the optimal concept and technical characteristics of a new vessel capable of operating effectively in Lithuanian maritime responsibility area. The research combines hydrometeorological data analysis, review of international regulatory frameworks, evaluation of equipment requirements, and bridge simulator modelling of two reference vessel concepts: patrol-type and supply-type. Additional oil spill dispersion modelling was performed using the simulation tool. Findings show that search and rescue tasks prioritize speed, while spill response operations require stability and maneuverability. Simulations indicate that patrol-type vessels reach search and rescue zones faster, while supply-type vessels provide superior station maintenance and equipment deployment in adverse conditions. The optimal vessel concept should be based on a supply-type hull with dynamic positioning, ≥15 kn speed, ≥113 t bollard pull, ≥6-day endurance and oil recovery arms with ≥40 m sweep width.