Turkish shipbuilder Dearsan Shipyard has successfully launched the second Nigerian Navy OPV 76offshore patrol vessel (P 204) on the 19th of April 2024.
This launch marks a major step forward in enhancing Nigeria’s maritime defence and security capabilities. The event was graced by the presence of Her Excellency the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Remi Tinubu, Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, underscoring the importance of this milestone for Nigeria’s naval operations.
In August 2021, the Nigerian Navy (NN) announced its intention to procure two new offshore patrol vessels (OPV) after receiving President Muhammadu Buhari’s approval. Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral AZ Gambo mention this at the dinner in honour of the Nigerian Navy graduates of the National Defence College course 29.
The contract for the two vessels was signed between Dearsan and the Nigerian Navy on the 3rd of November 2021. Dearsan Shipyard began constructing the vessel (P 203) on September 16, 2022. The first 76 meters vessel of the type for the Nigerian Navy was launched on October 26, 2023.
The OPV 76 vessel follows a modular design, offering versatility for a range of maritime operations. In peacetime, it will be deployed for offshore patrol duties, ensuring maritime security and surveillance. However, the vessel’s design also allows it to be swiftly equipped with sensors and weapons, transforming it into a formidable force for warfare and maritime defense purposes. This adaptability is achieved at a cost-effective price, a crucial factor for the Nigerian Navy.
The OPV 76 vessels have been customized to fulfill the specific needs of the Nigerian Navy. They were designed and built entirely at the Dearsan Shipyard in Istanbul. These vessels will be fitted with state-of-the-art systems to ensure optimal performance.
The vessels will expand the capabilities of the Nigerian Navy, enabling operations such as maritime interdiction, surveillance, special forces missions, naval fire support for land forces, search and rescue, anti-piracy operations, anti-smuggling efforts, counter-drug trafficking operations, and disaster relief missions, among others.
The high endurance offshore patrol vessel OPV -76 has an overall length of 76.90 meters, a beam of 11.90 meters and a displacement of 1,100 tons, according to the video released by the company. The vessel will be operated by 47 personnel and have a range of 2500 nautical miles at an economical speed. HE OPV 76 will be able to stay at sea for 16 days. The ship has a flight deck that can house a single helicopter but no hangar.
The main gun of the ship will be the 40-millimetre MARLIN gun of Leonardo and will be armed with the Aselsan’s 30-millimetre SMASH at the stern of the ship. The ship will also be equipped with two Aselsan 12.7 mm RWS STAMP.
The Turkish company HAVELSAN will supply the ADVENT combat management system for the new OPVs, and the operator consoles will be supplied by another Turkish company, YALTES. The sensor suit of the new OPVs consists of the 2D surface search radar from the Italian company GEM Elettronica and the fire control system EO.
In addition, the vessels will be equipped with HAVELSAN ADVENT Combat Management System (CMS), HAVELSAN Ship Data Distribution System (SDDS), two operator consoles manufactured by YALTES (for ADVENT SYS), YALTESIntegrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Italian GEM Elettronica product 2D radar (with surface and air surveillance capability), and GEM Elettronica product electro-optical fire control system.
OPV-76 ships will be fitted with four MAN product diesel engines (18VP185), and it is stated that the vessels can reach a maximum speed of 28 knots. Constructed in line with the Türk Loydu Ship Classification rules, the hulls of OPV-76s will be made of steel sheets, and marine aluminium (Sealium) will be used in the ship superstructure. The operational range of the ships is stated as 2.500nm (nautical miles). A contract was signed with HeliPLAT Co.Ltd. for the certification engineering, testing, and HAT/SAT activities of the helicopter platform on the OPV-76 ships.
The high endurance offshore patrol vessels OPV-76s will carry two RHIBs for interdiction operations.
Dearsan will also supply a 57-meter Tuzla patrol boat to Nigeria under the same contract with the OPV 76 boats. The Nigerian Navy will be the fourth user of the 57-meter Patrol Boat after the Turkish Naval Forces, Turkmenistan Navy and Turkmenistan Coast Guard Command.
Although, the Nigerian Navy’s newly acquired Tuzla patrol boat will be fitted with a more reduced armament load out to reflect it’s role as an offshore patrol vessel.