OCEA launches first FPB 98 MKI for Ukrainian Guard Borders.

According to information published by OCEA on December 9, 2021, the launching ceremony of the BG201, the first OCEA FPB 98 MKI of a fleet of twenty units, took place at the OCEA site in Les Sables d’Olonne.
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First Fast Patrol Boat 98 MKI, BG 201 in Les Sables d’Olonne. (Picture source: OCEA)

In November 2019, an intergovernmental agreement between France and Ukraine has been signed to support the reinforcement of maritime safety and security in Ukraine.

OCEA won the international consultation launched by the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior. The acquisition contract is for 20 patrol vessels of 32 m type OCEA FPB 98 MKI to ensure the country's sovereignty in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.

His Excellency, Mr. Vadym OMELCHENKO, Ambassador of Ukraine in France, and representative of the French Government were present at the ceremony.

Five of the twenty FPB 98 MKI vessels ordered will be built by Nibulon Shipyard, in Ukraine in Mykolaiv. The fleet is accompanied by a set of services including crew training, ship maintenance, and technical assistance to the customer during the warranty phase.

The first vessel is to arrive from France to Odessa in Ukraine next spring. The OCEA FPB 98 MKI are planned to be deployed in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

The FPB 98 MKI is a 32-m multirole fast patrol boat developed by the France-based OCEA company. It is designed for maritime safety, law enforcement, smuggling and illegal immigration control, blue economy protection in the Exclusive Economic Zone.