Article Posted on : - Jul 19, 2010

The delivery of first Venezuelan patrol boat, the BVL

PUERTO REAL (BNS): The Navantia shipyard has launched the fourth and final Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrol vessel for the navy of Venezuela, the "Karin".

According to a Navantia shipyard press release, the OPV "Karin" is 98.90 meters in length, with 2,200 tonnes of displacement and have a top speed of 25 knots.

The vessel can perform different missions, including surveillance and protection of the EEZ , protection of maritime traffic, defence of strategic interests, search and rescue operations, relief and humanitarian aid, marine pollution control, prosecution of smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal immigration, surveillance and intelligence, information-gathering, operational or environmental protection and passive electronic warfare.

On November 28, 2005, Navantia shipyard had signed a contract with Venezuela for the delivery of four EEZ patrol vessels and four Littoral Surveillance Ships (BVL).

Navantia has schedule to complete the deliveries of the contract by the end of 2011.