STX Holds Launch Ceremony for Two Patrol Vessels in Peru

STX announced on the 20th that it held a launch ceremony for two offshore patrol vessels under construction in collaboration with Peru's state-owned SIMA shipyard in Chimbote, Peru, on the 10th (local time).

The ceremony was attended by Dina Boluarte, President of Peru; Walter Astudillo, Peru's Minister of Defense; and Luis José Flar Figari, Chief of the Navy, along with other high-ranking Peruvian officials.

The two patrol vessels have been named "Rio Huarmey" and "Rio Nepeña," each measuring 56.4 meters in length and 8.5 meters in width, with a maximum speed of 23 knots (approximately 42.6 km/h). They are equipped with diesel engines from U.S.-based Caterpillar, a 30mm remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS), and 12.7mm machine guns.

Construction of the vessels is expected to be completed later this year, after which they will be delivered and deployed for coastal patrol missions to bolster regional security.

STX has built trust with Peru by supporting the construction of the first six patrol vessels for the Peruvian Navy between 2013 and 2021. In May 2023, STX signed a contract worth $36 million (approximately KRW 5.3 billion) with the Peruvian government for the construction of the 7th and 8th patrol vessels, further solidifying its pivotal role in strengthening Peru’s maritime defense.

An STX stated, "In addition to signing an export contract for wheeled armored vehicles with the Peruvian Army in October last year, STX is taking full responsibility for the construction and supply of offshore patrol vessels for the Peruvian Navy. We will continue to contribute to modernizing Peru's defense industry and strengthening its military power across both land and naval forces."

Seoul Tribune (c)

#SeoulTribune #STX #Navy #Vessel #Peru