Non-Subscriber Extract
Portugal's naval modernisation project moves into top gear
By Victor Barreira
14 May 2009
Portugal's first Viana do Castelo-class OPV will be delivered by ENVC in January 2010. (Victor Barreira)
The Portuguese Navy is to accept the first of two ex-Royal Netherlands Navy M-frigates into service on 19 May as Lisbon embarks on a fleet recapitalisation programme that includes the construction of at least 20 new ships.
NRP Bartolomeu Dias (ex-HrMs Van Nes ) arrived at Portugal's main naval base on 30 April, having been handed over at the Dutch base in Den Helder on 16 January.
It is part of a modernisation programme that includes the purchase of up to eight 1,600-ton Viana do Castelo-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) and eight 640-ton coastal patrol craft (Lancha de Fiscalização Costeira - LFC).
On 17 March the Portuguese Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two contracts with ENVC Shipyard in Viana do Castelo. The first was for the delivery of the first two OPVs, Viana do Castelo (P 360) and Figueira da Foz (P 361), in January and July 2010. Under the second contract the MoD ordered five ships in the LFC programme with an option for three additional vessels.
The OPVs were originally planned for delivery in April and August 2006 but have suffered protracted delays due to technical problems with the Wärtsilä 12V26 diesel engines and the navy's decision to review the project and amend the vessels' design requirements.