Naval Group Debuts A.R.A. Piedrabuena: Argentina’s Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Unveiled!
The second of the four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) commissioned by Argentina has been inaugurated at Piriou’s Shipyards in Concarneau (Brittany).
Following the arrival of the A.R.A. Bouchard in Argentina in February 2020, the second OPV was launched on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at Piriou’s shipyards in Concarneau. This launch occurred ahead of schedule—two months prior to the contractual timeline—despite the challenging health context. The remaining two vessels are also being constructed by Kership (a joint venture between Naval Group and Piriou) in Lanester.
Signed on June 22, 2018, in Buenos Aires, the contract for the supply of four multi-mission maritime patrol vessels for the Argentinian Navy became effective on February 13, 2019.
This agreement includes the delivery of L’Adroit—a vessel commissioned at the end of 2011 and utilized by the French Navy before being refurbished to serve as the A.R.A. Bouchard—as well as the fabrication of three new units featuring an upgraded design (referred to as OPV 87). These three new vessels are specifically engineered for operation in iced waters of the Southern Ocean, with reinforced structures enhancing their durability.
Naval Group serves as the primary contractor, responsible for Program Management and relations with the Argentinian authorities, overseeing general design tasks of the armed vessel, and managing all studies, development, and integration of the Polaris combat system. Over 100 specialists are solely focused on this significant program.
This marks a pivotal achievement for Naval Group, as this vessel represents the first OPV constructed for the international export market.
“This initiative is a tremendous source of pride for the Naval Group teams. We take pride in our successful partnership with Piriou. This OPV satisfies all the requirements of the Argentinian Navy. Its design has been meticulously tailored for navigation in the Southern Ocean,” stated Olivier Michel, Naval Group Sales Vice-President for Latin America.
The OPV 87, a versatile ship
Engaged in various military missions as well as fisheries management and maritime security tasks, the Naval Group OPV’s design has validated its efficacy and the relevance of the innovations introduced by Naval Group to support navies and special forces.
The Argentinian Offshore Patrol Vessels leverage the innovations offered by Naval Group alongside the proven design utilized by the French Navy:
— extended operational range and exceptional sea performance;
— A 360° field of vision from the bridge with a unique mast for panoramic radar coverage;
— Swift and discreet deployment of fast craft for Special Forces in under five minutes, facilitated by an ingenious ramp system at the vessel’s stern.
This class of ships also capitalizes on Naval Group’s expertise in information and command systems, enabling extensive surveillance of maritime areas and automatic detection of suspicious activities thanks to the Polaris system, specifically formulated by Naval Group for state missions at sea and validated by the French Navy.
Technical specifications
The Offshore Patrol Vessel can operate at sea for over three weeks, achieve a speed of 20 knots, and house a helicopter in its hangar. Operated by a compact crew of forty personnel, it can also accommodate additional passengers.
— Length: 87 meters
— Beam: 14 meters
— Displacement: 1,650 tons
— Max. speed: 20 knots
— Accommodation: 59 (crew and passengers)
— Endurance: > 7,000 nautical miles
— Capacity: two light crafts of 9 meters and one 5-ton class helicopter
Naval Group is the foremost European leader in naval defense. Leveraging its remarkable expertise, unique industrial capabilities, and the ability to forge innovative strategic partnerships, Naval Group addresses its customers’ needs. As a system integrator and principal contractor, the group designs, produces, and sustains submarines and surface vessels. They also provide services to shipyards and naval installations. In 2019, the group reported revenues amounting to 3.7 billion euros and had a workforce of 15,168.
