Araguari,
the third of three Ocean Patrol Vessels built by BAE Systems, was
handed over to the Brazilian Navy in a ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Base
today.
Employees
joined guests from the Brazilian Navy and UK Royal Navy, to watch as
members of the ship’s company raised the ensign for the first time,
formally marking the handover of the Brazilian Navy’s newest vessel.
Mick
Ord, Managing Director of BAE Systems Maritime - Naval Ships business,
said: “We are extremely proud to deliver Araguari. She is a highly
capable ship, and with her sister ships, will be a great asset to the
Brazilian Navy.
“We have written a new chapter in BAE Systems’
relationship with Brazil with the completion of the Amazonas class of
ships. We look forward to continued partnership with the Brazilian Navy
for many years to come.”
Vice Admiral Francisco Deiana, the Brazilian Navy’s Director of Naval Engineering, said:
“The
three Amazonas class units make up an important contribution to both
our ability to provide security, safety and protection to the Brazil’s
Jurisdictional Waters and to deliver our commitments to the Brazilian
Maritime Authority.
He went on to say: “Araguari, the third and
last vessel, together with her sisters are no doubt a very important
asset to the Brazilian Navy’s inventory and is a clear indication of a
very good relationship that has been developed between the Brazilian
Navy and BAE Systems.”
First of the class, Amazonas, was handed
over to the Brazilian Navy in June 2012. The second ship, APA, was
completed in November of last year.
During the preparation of
the three ships, Portsmouth has hosted 250 Brazilian crew members as
they underwent extensive training and preparation to take ownership of
the new ships.
The Ocean Patrol Vessels will provide Brazil with
enhanced maritime capability. With a 30mm cannon and two 25mm guns, as
well as two rigid inflatable boats and a helicopter flight deck capable
of landing a medium-sized helicopter, the ships are ideal for performing
maritime security in Brazil’s territorial waters, including the
protection of the country’s offshore oil and gas reserves. The vessels
accommodate a crew of 80, with additional accommodation for 40 embarked
troops or passengers and ample deck space for container storage.
The
three ship contract, announced in January 2012, also includes a
manufacturing licence to enable further vessels of the same class to be
constructed in Brazil, helping to support the country’s naval
re-equipment programme and strengthen its maritime industrial
capability.
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