Following successful sea trials, C&I Leasing Plc, a leading player in the Nigerian offshore support vessel market, has taken delivery of four Damen SPa 1605 ballistic protected security patrol vessels. The patrol boats will be used to provide security patrol and escort services for LNG tankers calling in and out of the Nigerian LNG Bonny terminal.
The 16m craft have aluminium hulls and GRP composite superstructures. The accommodation has been additionally clad with bullet-proof materials to protect the personnel inside. All four vessels also feature upgraded water jets and engines for maximum performance.
After sales support is provided by a Damen Service Hub which was opened in Port Harcourt in early 2015. The hub also delivers on-site training and clears and delivers spare parts for the vessels.
While receiving the boats in Lagos, Mr. Wisdom Nwagwu (General Manager of C&I Leasing), disclosed that the NLNG contract, which was signed in late 2014, was for a five-year firm period with an option of a one-year extension and a cumulative option to a maximum of three years.
Damen is providing additional support to C&I Leasing Plc. In November 2015, C&I Leasing sponsored twelve candidates to travel to Damen Shipyards Galati, in Romania, for a period of six weeks to study various aspects of ship building.
The four patrol boats were fitted out at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and delivered to Nigeria as a single batch at the beginning of April 2016. An eight metre RHIB for up to 10 passengers was also delivered as part of the package.
