The KURYED Rescue and Towing Vessel is a multi-role offshore support platform designed to meet modern naval requirements for emergency response, submarine rescue assistance, and open-sea towing operations. As submarine fleets become increasingly critical assets for naval deterrence, surface-based rescue and support platforms like KURYED play a vital operational and strategic role.

Operational Purpose and Role

KURYED is designed to conduct:

• Offshore towing operations
• Firefighting and emergency response
• Underwater search and rescue
• Submarine detection and support
• Technical and logistical emergency assistance

Unlike conventional tugboats, KURYED integrates submarine life-support capabilities, making it a strategic asset within naval rescue doctrine.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

The vessel operates within three primary mission domains:

• Naval base and harbor safety
• Offshore emergency intervention
• Submarine rescue and life-support operations

In submarine distress scenarios such as onboard system failure, grounding, or partial flooding, time is a critical factor. KURYED is designed to locate distressed submarines and establish surface-based life support, potentially extending crew survivability until full rescue operations are conducted.

Platform Architecture

The vessel features a steel monohull structure with a displacement of approximately 2,400 tons, optimized for offshore stability and endurance.

Propulsion configuration includes:

• 2 × 3500 kW main engines
• 2 × azimuth thrusters
• Controllable pitch propeller system
• Bow and stern tunnel thrusters

This propulsion architecture provides precise low-speed maneuverability and effective dynamic positioning capability during sensitive rescue operations.

Survivability and Safety

The steel hull enhances structural durability in adverse sea states. Designed for high-risk rescue environments, the vessel is equipped for close-approach emergency operations.

Armament includes:

• 2 × 12.7 mm heavy machine guns

These are intended for self-defense against asymmetric maritime threats. Detailed ballistic protection and electronic warfare resistance specifications are not publicly disclosed.

Performance and Operational Capability

• Maximum speed: 18 knots
• Economic speed: 14 knots
• Range: 4,500 nautical miles

This range allows sustained offshore deployment rather than limited harbor-based operations.

The azimuth propulsion and tunnel thrusters enable precision station-keeping, particularly important for:

• Submarine-overhead positioning
• Deployment of underwater support equipment
• Potential ROV or diving support missions

Submarine Support Capability

KURYED’s defining feature is its ability to detect submarines in distress and provide life support assistance.

Public technical specifications regarding sonar type, detection range, and specific life-support interface systems are not disclosed. However, conceptually, the capability includes:

• Locating distressed submarines
• Establishing surface-to-submarine connection
• Supplying emergency life support resources

This significantly enhances naval operational safety and survivability standards.

Integrated Ecosystem

Rescue and towing vessels of this class typically integrate:

• Submarine rescue systems
• Underwater search sonar
• Firefighting monitors
• Heavy-duty towing winches
• Emergency support equipment

Specific onboard sensor models are not publicly available.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Dimensions and Displacement

• Length Overall: 68.20 m
• Length Between Perpendiculars: 66.40 m
• Beam: 14.20 m
• Depth: 6.50 m
• Draft: 4.25 m
• Displacement: 2,400 tons

Powerplant and Propulsion

• Main Engines: 2 × 3500 kW
• Propulsion: 2 × Azimuth Thrusters
• Additional Maneuvering: Bow and Stern Tunnel Thrusters

The controllable pitch system ensures efficient thrust control during low-speed operations.

Performance

• Maximum Speed: 18 knots
• Economic Speed: 14 knots
• Range: 4,500 NM

Endurance figures are not publicly disclosed.

Sensors and Detection

• The vessel is stated to have submarine detection capability.
• Detailed sonar specifications and detection ranges are not publicly available.

Armament

• 2 × 12.7 mm heavy machine guns
• Fire-control system details are not publicly disclosed.

Command and Control

Information regarding combat management systems or military data link integration is not publicly available.

Classification and Standards

The vessel is classed under a member of the International Association of Classification Societies.

Specific classification notation is not publicly disclosed.

Crew

Total crew is listed as 1 in available documentation. Operational crew composition and mission-specific staffing details are not publicly available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KURYED used for?

• KURYED is used for offshore towing, firefighting, underwater search and rescue, and submarine life-support missions.

What is its operational range?

• It has a range of 4,500 nautical miles, enabling extended offshore operations.

How does it support submarines?

• It can detect distressed submarines and provide life support assistance from the surface. Specific technical mechanisms are not publicly disclosed.

Is it a combat vessel?

• No. It is a support and rescue platform. Its 12.7 mm machine guns are for self-defense purposes only.

Is it suitable for open-sea conditions?

• Yes. With a 2,400-ton displacement and azimuth propulsion system, it is designed for offshore missions.

How is it different from conventional tugboats?

• Unlike standard tugboats, KURYED integrates submarine support and life-support capabilities, positioning it as a strategic naval rescue asset.

Sources

• Istanbul Shipyard official project information
• Publicly available shipyard technical documentation
• International Association of Classification Societies standards