Nigerian Navy to acquire two Chinese OPVs

摘要

In an unexpected development, the Nigerian Navy (NN) has announced that President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the acquisition of two new-build 95 m offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) from China. According to a 29 March statement from the NN, each OPV will displace 1,800 tonnes and accommodate 70 personnel. Each ship will be fitted with two MTU 20-cylinder Series 4000 engines driving two controllable-pitch propellers, providing a maximum speed of 21 kt and endurance of 20 days. Armament will consist of one 76 mm and two 30 mm guns.