The Government of the Bahamas is to acquire nine Damen-built vessels for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. The new fleet will see the introduction of three types of craft, with orders for four 42m Stan Patrol 4207 and four 30m type SPa 3007 ‘Sea Axe’ patrol vessels, along with a 56m Stan Lander 5612 landing craft.
The ro-ro lander has been specifically procured to provide disaster relief in the hurricane-prone Caribbean region. Her fit-out will include a 25-tonne crane for handling special containers equipped with medical facilities and sanitary supplies for rapid deployment in a natural disaster.
The Dutch shipyards group has also been contracted to construct and enhance three naval base facilities to accommodate the new long-range patrol craft. The deal also provides for the mid-life upgrade of two Bahamas class vessels that entered service in January 2000, which will be undertaken in a local shipyard.
