SENEGAL Orders 3 OPVs from PIRIOU

PIRIOU group will launch the programme to build these 3 patrol vessels scheduled over a 44 months’ time span followed by a period of support in Senegal

The Ministry of Armed Forces of Senegal and the French shipbuilder PIRIOU group have signed a contract to purchase three offshore patrol vessels dedicated to the Senegalese navy.

As soon as the contract is in force – planned for early 2020 – the PIRIOU group will launch the programme to build these 3 patrol vessels scheduled over a 44 months’ time span followed by a period of support in Senegal, PIRIOU said in a statement.

The OPV 58 S (Offshore Patrol Vessel) is a 62m versatile, with high endurance and robust patrol vessel dedicated to missions such as surveillance and sea control perfectly answering the various missions related to law enforcement at sea. Besides its projection capabilities – commando fast boats – it is also equipped with surface to air weapon systems enabling first-rank deterrence.

Among innovations and major capacities, the vessel features a versatile design to adapt to various missions, large panoramic bridge with 360-degree visibility, fast launching and recovery system for 2 fast boats on stern ramp, and a C-Sharp hull for optimised autonomy and seakeeping.