Article Posted on : - Oct 28, 2010

A DCNS photo

PARIS (BNS): DCNS has signed an agreement to make available Gowind offshore patrol vessel for the French Navy.

The agreement was signed Tuesday at the Euronaval 2010 by French Defence Minister Hervé Morin, French Navy Chief-of-Staff Admiral Pierre-François Forissier and DCNS Chairman & CEO Patrick Boissier, a DCNS release said.

The OPV being built under a self-funded DCNS programme will be made available to the French Navy for three years.

“I welcome the signing of this agreement. It represents a big step forward for our expansion in smaller displacement warships. The making available of a product built under a self-funded DCNS programme is an innovative initiative under our strategic growth plan,” said Patrick Boissier, Chairman and CEO of DCNS.

The French Navy will demonstrate the theaters relevance and operational value of the offshore patrol Gowind for current and emerging missions - surveillance zone, the fight against piracy and terrorism, fishery enforcement, fight against drug trafficking , environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, maritime safety.

Measuring 87 meters, the patrol offshore Gowind has a range of 8,000 nautical miles. It can stay longer than three weeks at sea, reaching speeds of 21 knots and accommodate a helicopter and requires a crew of only 30 people and can carry more than thirty passengers.