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Naval
Defense Industry News - UK, Brazil |
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Navy Ocean Patrol Vessel "Amazonas" ready for Ocean Voyage |
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Amazonas,
the first of three BAE Systems built Ocean Patrol Vessels being delivered
the Brazilian Navy, departed the UK for Rio de Janeiro on August 9th
after her crew completed a rigorous programme of Flag Officer Sea Training
with the Royal Navy off the South coast.
Supported by a team from BAE Systems, the crew’s extensive training
programme included navigation and duty watch training, as well as development
and familiarisation of operational procedures for safety and security
in areas including material assessment of the ship, emergency exercises
and machinery breakdown drills. The crew also completed boarding operations
and anti-piracy exercises and tactics to ensure Amazonas returns to
Brazil safely and fully prepared for the demanding operational role
ahead.
Nigel Stewart, Commercial Director of BAE Systems Maritime, said: “Saying
farewell to the first ship in the Amazonas class is a significant stage
in our ongoing relationship with the Brazilian Navy and is a source
of great pride to those who worked on her. We look forward to continuing
our work with the Brazilian Navy to deliver the next two Ocean Patrol
Vessels Apa and Araguari over the coming months.” |
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Brazilian Navy Amazonas OPV departs Portsmouth
(Picture:
BAE Systems)
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Lieutenant-Commander Giovani Corrêa, Brazilian
Navy’s Commanding Officer of Amazonas, said: “The ship has
proved herself to be a highly capable vessel and her crew are looking
forward to the challenges of her first ocean voyage as we head to her
new home in Brazil. The FOST training was a great success and allowed
us to learn more about the Royal Navy’s procedures as we continually
develop our own for this new class of ship.”
Following her departure from HM Naval Base Portsmouth, Amazonas will
complete a series of diplomatic visits in Europe and Africa before arriving
in Rio de Janeiro in October. On arrival in Brazil, Amazonas and her
crew will undergo an operational assessment before joining the Brazilian
fleet. They will then take part in further sea training with Comissão
de Inspeção e Assessoria de Adestramento (the Commission
for Inspecting and Advising Procedures) or CIAsA, which is designed
to further ensure the ship is ready to begin her role of maritime security,
search and rescue, and humanitarian relief operations.
The FOST training forms part of a £133 million contract for the
supply of the three Ocean Patrol Vessels and ancillary support services
announced in January. The contract 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.
First of class Amazonas was constructed at BAE Systems’ Portsmouth
facility. Her sister ships Apa and Araguari were built at the company’s
Scotstoun shipyard on the Clyde and are expected to be delivered to
the Brazilian Navy in December 2012 and April 2013 respectively. Seven
members of the Brazilian Navy will stay in Portsmouth to oversee the
delivery of the remaining two ships in the Amazonas class, with the
crew for the second ship expected to arrive in the UK later this year.
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
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.
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