Philippines receives offshore patrol vessel from French shipbuilder
The future BRP Gabriela Silang during sea trials. Photo c/o OCEA. |
French shipbuilder OCEA has turned-over an offshore patrol vessel to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
The ship, the future BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), was turned-over to the PCG on 18 December 2019 in simple ceremonies held in France.
It would be then travelling to the Philippines, leaving France before year end and is expected to arrive in the Philippines by February 2020. Commissioning with the PCG is expected to happen soon after.
The ship is based from OCEA's OPV-270 design and is considered as the largest aluminium-hulled vessel in the world, and is expected to be the PCG's newest flagship and largest patrol vessel.
It will have a crew of 40 officers and sailors, an endurance of up to 5 weeks and a maximum range of 8,000nautical miles at 12 knots. lt is powered by a diesel-electric propulsion systerm that alows a
maximum speed of 22 knots. It also has a helideck and hangar for a 5-ton class helicopter.
The ship is also equipped with a telescopic davit to launch two 9.2-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB), and will have spaces for castaways, offenders, wounded, divers, and special forces.
[1] Naval News
[2] Mer et Marine
Philippines receives offshore patrol vessel from French shipbuilder
Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal
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December 28, 2019
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