Feature 4 | PATROL CRAFT
Trinidad & Tobago OPV on course for delivery
Te first of three offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) being built by BAE Systems for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard has completed sea trials, having achieved 25.8kts compared to her contracted 25kt speed and is currently going through the final stages of acceptance ahead of a formal handover later this summer.
OPVs for the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to perform a wide range of Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) management tasks, including tackling drugs runners and providing effective disaster relief to the Caribbean. Each vessel will have a complement of around 60, displaces just over 1800tonnes at full load, and can remain at sea for up to 35 days, with a range of 5500nm at 12 kts. Scott Jamieson, International Programmes
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Director at BAE Systems’ Surface Ships division, said: “Port of Spain is a highly capable vessel, which will be a great asset to the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard in its quest to deliver maritime security in the Caribbean. Based on the River class ships used by the Royal Navy, we believe this design is highly exportable and an attractive option for other navies around the world looking for affordable, capable patrol vessels.” Equipped to help the Trinidad & Tobago
Coast Guard tackle drugs runners, the ship has an OSIRIS integrated combat and surveillance system, combining its surface and air surveillance radars with an electro- optical surveillance capability to provide enhanced situational awareness. In addition, it features a fast interceptor craſt, port side, and Pacific 24 rigid inflatable boat (RIB), starboard, which can be deployed swiſtly for recovery operations or sea boarding. Other key features of the new
OPVs include:
• Sensor and weapons fit integrated within a command and control system;
• Comprehensive communication system; • Ability to conduct boardings using
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• Accommodation for 50 fully equipped troops;
onboard RIB and Fast Interceptor Craſt; • Ability to conduct helicopter operations;
• Ample deck space for the transport of containers and additional craſt; and
• Ability to replenish at sea. With provision to land and fuel a medium-
sized helicopter, austere accommodation for up to 50 additional passengers or embarked troops, and ample deck space for the transport of containers, Port of Spain and her sister ships will also provide effective disaster relief to the region. Following handover, the ship and her crew are due to undergo a period of Basic Operational
Training with the UK Ministry of Defence at Flag Officer Sea Training in Faslane before sailing to the Caribbean. Reflecting BAE Systems’ stated strategy to pursue readiness and sustainment
TECHNICAL PARTICULARS Trinidad & Tobago OPVs
Length, oa ...........................................90.5m Breadth, mld .......................................13.5m Draught ..................................................3.5m Speed ................................... in excess 25kts Range at 12kts
............in excess of 5500nm Endurance ........................................35 days
Warship Technology July/August 2010
ort of Spain is part of a contract signed in 2007 to build, integrate, test and commission three 90m
The first of three OPVs being built by BAE Systems for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard has completed sea trials.
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