Photo: Offshore Patrol Vessel L’Adroit built by Naval Group as a private venture
MarineLink is reporting the French Shipbuilder Naval Group will provide four Offshore Patrol Vessels to Argentina including the L’Adroit completed in 2012 and three similar new construction vessels
L’Adroit had been constructed as a private venture demonstrator which was operated by the French Navy for several years.
Specs for L’Adroit, using various sources, are:
- Length: 87 meters (285 feet)
- Beam: 14 meters (46 feet)
- Range: 7,000-8,000 nmi at 12 knots
- Speed: 20-21 knots
- SHP: 8,100
- Boats: two RHIBs up to 9 meter launched from two ramps in the stern
- Helicopter: up to 10 tons plus hangar. Has operated small vertical take off UAS.
“The three new OPVs will also be adapted to navigation in the cold waters of the southern seas thanks to structural reinforcement. All four ships will be equipped with a remotely-operated 30 mm cannon.”
A Schiebel S-100 conducts trials aboard the L’Adroit. A four-person detachment for the S-100 can be embarked on L’Adroit when the UAV is aboard. Schiebel photo
Presumably these will replace the 80 meter Fassmer designed OPVs Argentina had planned but never built.
L’Adroit was one of the vessels I pointed to as a possible basis for Cutter X.
Photo: L’Adroit’s hangar doors looking forward from the flight deck
I think the USCG should see if Argentina is interested in a used 378
Pretty sure we have got takers lined up for the remaining 378s already. Argentina has newer ships in size of 378s that they are having trouble keeping up. They need reliable ships that are cheap to run.
I’m thinking Argentina or even the Philippines. can use a 378, used 210 or used 270
Most likely the Philippines or Vietnam.
Will be interesting to see the modifications to the ice-hardened version. Lots of open deck on the prototype. Don’t really get the dual slipways for the RIBS. In fact, they could be covered by the helo deck, but aren’t.
Argentina is also getting a former Korean Navy Ulsan class frigate.
http://en.mercopress.com/2019/01/29/argentine-navy-will-incorporate-a-south-korean-frigate-for-ocean-patrolling
This is apparently a report that the construction on this program has begun, but it reports only three ships in the program, not four. https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/maritime-security-world/5271-piriou-begins-building-opv-trio-for-argentina
Sorry, I just got reminded that one of the four ships is the already built L’Adroit, so three new builds really does not represent a change. (Thanks Andres)
Work in progress. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/07/argentine-navy-opv-program-progressing-well/
training up the crew of the former French Ship L’Adroit. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/10/naval-group-starts-training-of-argentine-navy-opv-crew/
Transfer of the former L’Adroit to the Argentine Navy. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/12/naval-group-delivered-ara-bouchard-opv-to-argentine-navy/
A bit more on the modifications to L’Adroit before her hand over to Argentina. Better water making ability and a 30mm gun. Also overview of the ship specs. https://www.marinelink.com/news/naval-group-delivers-opv-ara-bouchard-474016
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First of the new construction ships launched. http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/2020/august/8836-second-opv-offshore-patrol-vessel-ara-piedrabuena-of-argentinian-navy-has-entered-the-water-for-the-first-time.html
Progress has been rapid, “After the recent delivery of A.R.A. Piedrabuena (P-52), the third OPV A.R.A. Storni (P-53) was launched on Monday May 10th. The ship, which was partly built in Lanester by Kership Lorient and assembled in Concarneau by Piriou Shipyards, was launched yesterday.”
http://www.dmitryshulgin.com/2021/05/17/patrol-vessel-87/
Launch of the forth and last ship of the current contract. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/naval-group-launches-fourth-and-final-opv-for-argentine-navy/
third ship handed over to Argentina. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/10/opv-87-a-r-a-storni-handed-over-to-argentine-navy/
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Forth and final ship delivered to Argentina. https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/maritime-security-world/naval/ships-naval/argentine-navy-takes-delivery-of-fourth-kership-class-patrol-vessel/