In a significant boost to Nigeria’s maritime security, the Nigerian Navy has launched its second 76-meter High Endurance Offshore Patrol Vessel (HE-OPV). The vessel was officially launched by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator (Dr.) Oluremi Tinubu, at the DEARSAN Shipyard in Turkey on Friday, April 19, 2024. This event marks another step forward under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The ceremony was attended by key figures including the Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, and the Charge D’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Turkey, Ambassador Zayyad Habu Abdulsalam, among other dignitaries.
Vice Admiral Ogalla highlighted that the construction of the two OPVs began in 2022, with the first vessel launched on October 26, 2023. He expressed satisfaction with the progress and thanked DEARSAN Shipyard for their dedication and adherence to the construction timeline.
The newly launched OPV boasts impressive specifications, including a length of 76.90 meters, a width of 11.90 meters, a draught of 3.60 meters, a speed of 28 knots, and a range of 2500 nautical miles with a 16-day endurance capacity. It can accommodate a crew of 47.
The addition of this vessel is part of the Nigerian Navy’s ongoing efforts to renew its fleet, enhancing its operational capabilities to address various maritime threats such as oil theft, piracy, illegal fishing, and the smuggling of small arms and light weapons across Nigeria’s expansive maritime environment of 84,000 square nautical miles.
The launch also underscores Nigeria’s commitment to the Blue Economy, aiming to optimize the use of its maritime domain for economic growth. Vice Admiral Ogalla conveyed his gratitude to President Tinubu for his continuous support in the fleet renewal process and commended the First Lady for her role in the naval tradition of launching the ship.
The Nigerian Navy continues to fortify its presence at sea, ensuring safety and security in alignment with national and international maritime laws and commitments.