Kership, a jointly owned company between French firms Piriou and DCNS, has been awarded a contract by Gabon for the delivery of two offshore patrol vessels (OPV) to the Gabonese Navy.
The order includes one OPV 50 from the Kership range and a P400-class patrol vessel.
Under the contract, the company will also be responsible for initial crew training, delivered by DCI / NAVFCO.
Through its subsidiary Piriou Naval Services, Piriou is set to deliver the P400-class vessel by mid-2015.
The 58m OPV 50, which is set for delivery by mid-2016, is expected to arrange missions associated with the State Action at Sea.
The vessel includes a flexible design that allows reorganisation depending on mission requirements, a large bridge with a 360° view and rapid deployment / retrieval ramp for two launches.
In addition to offering improved sea-keeping capabilities, it has a range of 5,000nm at 12k, while offering a maximum cruising speed of 21k.
The vessel’s aluminium hull can accommodate 28, including eight special personnel.
Furthermore, the OPV’s weaponry includes a 20mm gun on the foredeck and two 12.7mm machine guns.
Established in 2013, Kership is 55% owned by Piriou and 45% by DCNS.
Image: A Kership 58m OPV 50 is set for delivery by mid-2016. Photo: courtesy of the DCNS.
