Turkish Dearsan Shipyard will build 2 units of 76 m OPV (76 meter Offshore Patrol Vessel) within the scope of the contract signed with the Nigerian Navy today (Nov.3).
The OPV’s, which have been configured in line with the Nigerian Navy requirements, will be designed and built entirely in the shipyard’s facilities and will be equipped with Turkish systems. The 2 vessels are expected to be completed within 37 months.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of the Nigerian Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo recalled that the Nigerian Navy has in the last couple of months brought to bear her dominant status in the region by sustaining an aggressive presence in the nation’s maritime environment, leading to drastic reduction in acts of criminality in the domain.
This development he added has been acknowledged by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its Global Piracy Report of 14 July 2021, indicating the lowest total of piracy and armed attacks against ships in 27 years.
According to the CNS, this report was corroborated by the Defence Web maritime security report of 15 October 2021 which noted further decline in reported cases of piracy and armed attacks against shipping in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), a development he attributed to the impact of NN maritime security operations efforts.
Admiral Gambo stated that the contract signing ceremony was another milestone achievement by the Nigerian Navy in her fleet renewal effort towards realizing her 2021-2030 Strategic Plan and expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for his continued support and goodwill towards the Nigerian Navy.
”The OPVs will also be capable of conducting search and rescue operations, anti-piracy, anti-smuggling and anti-drug trafficking operations and disaster relief operations among others”.
Admiral Gambo further revealed that the process of selecting a shipyard capable of constructing the OPVs began in earnest and Dearsan Shipyard Limited was selected based on its track record and the conviction that the shipyard would be able to construct a platform that could be deployed as an OPV in peacetime, while having the capability and flexibility to be quickly outfitted with sensors and weapons to re-role the platform for warfare and maritime defence purposes, at a cost effective price.
According to him, today was a remarkable day as it marked the consummation of relationship between the NN and Dearsan which is hoped would lead to more fruitful engagements between Nigeria and Turkey in the future. While responding, the Chief Executive Officer of Messrs Dearsan Shipyard, Mr Murat Gordi appreciated the Nigerian Navy and the Federal Government for the confidence placed on their company to construct the Offshore Patrol Vessels.
He further assured that the company would reciprocate by building the best-in-class vessel for the Nigerian Navy and ensure the contract is faithfully executed to deliver true value for money. Mr. Gordi added that this project will further strengthen ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Turkey through the provision of added value in technological transfer and expertise.
The event was graced by principal staff officers of the Naval Headquarters and representatives from Messrs Dearsan Shipyard Limited.
Specifications of the Offshore Patrol Vessel OPV 76
GENERAL
- Length (Loa) : 76.80 m
- Beam : 11.00 m
- Draft : 2.90 m
- Displacement : 1100 t
- Max Speed : 28 kts
- Range : 3000 NM
- Crew : 43 People
WEAPONS
- 76 mm. Leonardo Super Rapid Gun
- 40 mm. Leonardo Light Naval Gun
- 2 x 12.7 mm. Stabilized Automatic Machine Gun
- 2 x 12.7 mm. Manuel Use Machine Gun
- 2 x 2 SAM SIMBAD RC (MBDA)
Check out Naval Library App to find out more about the specifications of the OPV 76 Class ships.
