The Nigerian Navy (NN) launched the second 76-metre High Endurance (HE) Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) built in DEARSAN Shipyard, Turkey, on Friday to boost the nation’s Maritime security.
This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu
According to the statement, the new OPV was launched in Turkey by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
It explained that “the launch of the 76-metre HE-OPV marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding her territorial waters and combating maritime threats.”
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ogalla, noted that the construction of the two OPVs commenced in 2022, stating that “DEARSAN Shipyard is constructing 2 OPVs for the NN, and the first OPV was launched here on October 26, 2023.
According to him, “I am particularly pleased that the milestones on the vessel construction have been met, and I hereby appreciate the management of DEARSAN Shipyard for their efforts so far.”
“The general specifications of the newly launched OPV are as follows:
Length: 76.90m
Width: 11.90m
Draught: 3.60m
Speed: 28 28knots
Propulsion System: Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD)
Range: 2500nm
Endurance: 16 days
Crew Capacity: 47
Admiral Ogalla stated that “the construction of the vessel will boost NN fleet renewal efforts for fulfilment of her constitutional mandate and ensure maximum presence at sea to curb illicit acts such as oil theft, piracy, sea robbery, illegal fishery, as well as smuggling of small arms and light weapons, among other crimes in the vast 84,000 sq nm of Nigeria’s maritime environment.
“It will also facilitate harnessing the enormous potential within Nigeria’s maritime domain in support of FG’s Blue Economy initiatives.”
The CNS expressed sincere gratitude to the President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “for his support towards ensuring the completion of the construction of the OPVs and his commitment to NN fleet renewal aspirations.”
He also extended his appreciation to the Special Guest of Honour, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Tinubu, “for accepting the invitation to perform the age-long naval tradition of launching a ship into the water for the first time, a role often reserved for female leaders.”
The statement explained that the OPV 76 vessel followed a modular design, offering versatility for a range of maritime operations. In peacetime,
According to it, it will be deployed for offshore patrol duties, ensuring maritime security and surveillance.
The statement added, “The vessel’s design also allows it to be swiftly equipped with sensors and weapons, transforming it into a formidable force for warfare and maritime defence purposes. This adaptability is achieved at a cost-effective price, a crucial factor for the Nigerian Navy.
The OPV 76 vessels have been customised to fulfil the specific needs of the Nigerian Navy. They were designed and built entirely at the Dearsan Shipyard in Istanbul. These vessels will be fitted with state-of-the-art systems to ensure optimal performance.
The vessels will expand the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy, enabling operations such as maritime interdiction, surveillance, special forces missions, naval fire support for land forces, search and rescue, anti-piracy operations, anti-smuggling efforts, counter-drug trafficking operations, and disaster relief missions, among others.
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