Agdlek-class

Summary

Description

The Agdlek-class cutter was specifically constructed to serve the Royal Danish Navy for patrol duties in the region of Greenland. Its inception was driven by the need for a naval presence in this remote and demanding maritime environment. With the primary mission of patrolling Greenland's waters, the Agdlek-class cutters were key assets in the navy's fleet for maintaining sovereignty, safety, and security in the region. These vessels were eventually decommissioned and replaced by the larger and more capable Knud Rasmussen-class patrol vessels which provided expanded operational capabilities to the Danish Navy.

Designed with the harsh and icy conditions of the Greenlandic waters in mind, the Agdlek-class vessels were built with ice-strengthened hulls to navigate through the regions they patrolled. They had a tonnage of 330-tons and, despite their size, were designed to travel at modest speeds, not exceeding 11 knots. The cutters were staffed by a crew of 14 sailors, ensuring the vessels were adequately operated while maintaining efficiency with a relatively small complement.

While the full armament details of the Agdlek-class cutters were not provided, they were equipped with 12.7-millimeter (0.50 inch) automatic weapons. This light weaponry was sufficient for the cutters' patrol and surveillance duties, enabling them to enforce maritime law and conduct defense operations as necessary in their operational theater.

The operational history of the Agdlek-class cutters reflects a structured and continuous naval presence in the waters around Greenland. Typically, two of these vessels were actively stationed within their patrol zones, ensuring that an ongoing Danish Naval footprint was maintained. Meanwhile, the third cutter would either be in transit to or from the patrol area or undergoing maintenance in its home port.

Technical specifications