Estonian Navy patrol vessel Raju may remain under repair for up to six more months — ERR News

The Estonian Navy patrol vessel EML Raju (P6732) has not been in service since spring and may remain under repair for up to another six months. The vessel is being repaired in the dry dock of ARC Repair in Pärnu after a stabilizer detached from it last winter, ERR News reports.

Damage during repairs

Marek Mardo, strategic manager for the maritime category at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments, said that an incident occurred while Raju was in dry dock, resulting in damage to the vessel's propellers. They have already been repaired, but the vessel still has a vibration problem and is awaiting further work.

According to Mardo, the duration of the repairs will depend on the nature and extent of the damage found. If the propeller shafts are determined to be bent, they will have to be repaired. If new shafts need to be ordered, this could take up to six months.

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Impact on fleet operations

In a written statement, the Estonian Navy acknowledged that the absence of one patrol vessel affects the execution of operations and assigned tasks. They are trying to compensate for the capability shortfall by redistributing the activities of other vessels.

Raju was built by Baltic Workboats from Saaremaa in 2017. The possibility of sending the vessel for repairs to the shipyard where it was built was considered, but its current technical condition must be thoroughly documented before the transfer. ARC Repair declined to comment, stating that the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments had advised against discussing the situation publicly.