Senegal purchases three offshore patrol vessels
Patrol vessel type OPV 58 S (Source: Piriou)
French yard Piriou has signed an order with the defence ministry in Senegal to build three offshore patrol vessels for the Senegalese navy. As soon as the contract is in force, which is planned for early 2020, Piriou will start construction. The building is scheduled for 44 months followed by a period of support in Senegal.
The type OPV 58 S vessel is a high- endurance patrol ship dedicated to missions such as surveillance and sea control which can also undertake various missions related to law enforcement at sea. The vessels will measure 62.2m in length overall, 9.5m in breath, with a maximum draught of 2.9m. Speed will be 21 knots with an endurance of 25 days. The hull superstructure is from steel/aluminium. Accommodation is provided for 48 people including a crew of 24 and addition space for 24 specialist personnel. The vessels will carry two fast boats on stern ramps. Besides its force projection capabilities via the fast boats for marines, the type is also equipped with surface to air weapon systems.
Following the establishment of subsidiaries in Nigeria and Ivory Coast Piriou had partnered with NGOM & Frères and created Piriou NGOM Senegal in Dakar in October 2017. The subsidiary offers repairs and maintenance and will strengthen this activity with aftersales and maintenance of these new OPVs.
