First P18N Offshore Patrol Vessel for Nigerian Navy launched at shipyard in China

: Posted On Thursday, 30 January 2014 10:30

Naval Forces News - Nigeria

First P18N Offshore Patrol Vessel for Nigerian Navy launched at shipyard in China

On January 27, 2014 the first of two P-18N offshore patrol vessels (OPV) ordered by the Nigerian Navy was launched at the China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Company (CSOC) at Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, China. CSOC is part of the part of the State Shipbuilding Corporation, China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC).

Launch of the first P18N OPV for Nigerian Navy in Wuhan, China

In April 2012, Nigeria signed a contract with China to build two P18N OPVs. Under the contract, the lead ship was to be built in Wuhan with construction starting in October 2012, while the second unit is expected to be partially built in Nigeria.

P18N Offshore Patrol Vessels have a displacement 1,800, a length of 95 m, width of 12.2 m and beam of 3.5 m. It is powered by two MTU 20V 4000M diesel engines. The maximum speed is 21 knots.

The endurance of the vessel is 20 days at sea for a crew of 70 sailors. These OPVs are fitted with a H/PJ26 76mm main gun mount and two H/PJ14 30mm gun mounts. The class may accomodate a Z- 9 helicopter thanks to its helipad and hangar at the stern.

The ceremony at Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, China with officials from Nigeria