Austal Unveils OPV Design for Philippine Navy

27 September 2018

Austal OPV for PN (images : Austal)

Australia-based shipbuilder Austal has unveiled the initial perspective together with initial descriptions of the proposed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for Philippine Navy. The vessels are dubbed to be designed and built in the Philippines, by Filipinos for Filipinos.

Austal has a shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.

The overall length of the OPV will be 81.7 meters, beam (moulded) will be 13.3 meters, and hull draft (maximum) will be 4 meters. “The OPV is arranged with a starboard boat deck and stern well for the safe and rapid launch and recovery of RHIBs. The vessel is fitted with a mission bay and aft storage area to facilitate the embarkation of containerised mission modules,” Austal said.

Austal said its OPV for the Philippine Navy is based on a proven platform that has demonstrated success operating in tropical environments and conducting border patrol and maritime operations.

“The proposed design incorporates 20 years of product improvement and evolution beginning with the ‘Bay Class’ first delivered in 1999,” Austal said. “The Philippine Navy OPV is a steel hulled vessel featuring an aviation deck enabling helicopter and unmanned aeronautical systems missions.”

Austal said among the capabilities of the OPV are: Execute ISR operations; Conduct Search and Rescue operations; Execute anti-piracy, anti-terrorism, anti-smuggling, anti-human trafficking and anti-drug operations; Provide critical infrastructure protection; Support special forces operations; and Provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Last month, National Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana said that they are in talks with Austal for 6 OPVs which will be built in the country.

(Mintfo)