The Brazilian Navy has snapped up three newly-built Ocean Patrol Vessels that have remained largely idle since completion. The £133 million deal with BAE Systems also includes support services and a manufacturing licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be constructed in Brazil. The first two ships, to be renamed Amazon (P120) and Apa (P121), will be delivered later this year. The third, Araguari (P122), will follow in early 2013.
The 90m OPVs were originally constructed for the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard until the termination of the contract in late 2010. They were subsequently laid up at Portsmouth, with two of them conducting occasional sea trials until a new buyer was found. Despite their new bonus buys, the Brazilian navy intends to press on with its original PROSUPER surface ship acquisition programme for a further five Ocean Patrol Vessels of circa 1,800 tonnes which will be constructed in Brazil.
