Nigerian Navy has unveils new offshore patrol vessel.
Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), has dedicated High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessels (HE OPVs) for the Nigerian Navy at the Dearsan Shipyard, Tuzla, in Istanbul, Turkey.
Commodore Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, Director of Naval Information, said this on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Ayo-Vaughan, the vessel is one of two 76-metre HE OPVs given to Dearsan Shipyard on November 3, 2021, with actual construction beginning on September 16, 2022.
Vice Adm. Ogalla, CNS, stated that the vessels were intended to supplement the Nigerian Navy’s fleet and strengthen its capacity to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain.
“Today’s ritual is thus solemn, in which the ship is dedicated and entrusted to the sea, while also hoping for good fortune for the ship, its crew, and its passengers.”
“When fully finished and commissioned into the service of the NN, these ships will complement and support the Fleet’s efforts to ensure naval presence at sea.”
“This will contribute to reducing the threat of oil theft and other illegalities in Nigeria’s maritime environment in particular and the Gulf of Guinea in general.”
“In addition, the OPV would support the NN in managing Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including marine security and effective disaster assistance,” he added.
Ogalla praised President Bola Tinubu for his support and commitment to recapitalizing the NN Fleet.
He stated that the federal government was dedicated to completing the two OPVs successfully.
For their varied efforts, the CNS thanked the Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, the Nigerian Defence Adviser, Dearsan Shipyard, the Nigerian Navy Project Control Team in Turkey, and others.
“Following the first 76-metre HE OPV P203’s launching ceremony, it is projected that all of the ship’s installations will be repaired, connected, and worked on between January and May 2024.”
“Other estimates include the ship passing a harbour acceptance test between July and August 2024, and delivery in August or September 2024.”
“It is also envisaged that the second 76-metre HE OPVP 204 will be launched in February 2024 at the Dearsan Shipyard in Turkey,” he added.
The CNS expressed pleasure with Dearsan Shipyard’s commitment to prompt delivery of the two HE OPVs and the continuation of mutually beneficial collaboration between Nigeria and Turkey.