On of our most popular posts has been “Three Nations Share German OPV Design” written by Andrés Tavolari, a lawyer, and Chilean Marine Reserve Officer. Andrés has written to say that Chile will christen their fourth Fassmer 80 class, OPV 84, “Cabo Odger” on August 3rd. Above is a Time Lapse of her construction.
As you can see from the diagram, this one will have a 76 mm gun.
And when in the fourth quarter of 2016 will the USCG announce it’s OPV, the world wonders?
Andres has confirmed that this OPV like the third of the class is ice strengthened to operate in the Antarctic. I would note that operating in the Antarctic does not require that the vessels be unarmed, only that they are open for inspection.
Heard a bit more from Andres, Their president was at the christening and apparently they intend to build two more, for a total of six.
He corrected earlier information Cabo Odger is not ice strengthened and will be homeported in Iquique. He confirmed she will be armed with a recycled 76mm.
Cabo Odger homeport : Puerto Montt
> https://prensa.presidencia.cl/comunicado.aspx?id=37678