Turkish Shipyard Completes 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel Order for Nigeria

Turkey’s Dearsan Shipyard launched the second Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the Nigerian Navy on April 19.

Nigeria signed a $125 million contract with Dearsan Shipyard in 2017 for the construction of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), with an option for two additional vessels.

The first 76-meter OPV built for the Nigerian Navy was launched in October 2023.

The OPV 76 vessel features a modular design optimized for diverse maritime operations. During peacetime, it fulfills offshore patrol duties, enhancing maritime security and surveillance capabilities. The vessel's adaptable configuration facilitates rapid integration of sensors and weapons, enabling effective deployment in wartime and sea defense scenarios.

These ships significantly enhance the Nigerian Navy's operational capabilities, supporting missions such as maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, special forces operations, naval fire support for ground forces, search and rescue missions, anti-piracy efforts, anti-smuggling operations, counter-drug trafficking activities, and disaster relief operations.

Key specifications of the OPV 76 include a length of 76.8 meters, width of 11 meters, and draft of 2.9 meters. With a steel hull, the ships weigh approximately 1,100 tons and can accommodate up to 43 personnel. The aft deck accommodates a medium-sized helicopter. The vessel is equipped with weaponry, including the Marlin 40 mm main battery gun, ASELSAN 30 mm MUHAFIZ Remote Controlled Stabilized Naval Gun, and 12.7 mm STAMP RCWS. Additionally, HAVELSAN supplies the ADVENT combat management system for these Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs).