Senegalese Navy receives 2nd OPV 58 S class Niani from Piriou.

According to a PR published by Sea to Sea on November 14, 2023, the Senegalese Navy has received the second unit of the OPV 58 S class vessel program, delivered by PIRIOU.
Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Senegalese OPV 58 S class patrol vessel Niani. (Picture source: Piriou)

The handover ceremony, held in the presence of notable dignitaries including Mr. Oumar Youm - Minister of the Armed Forces of Senegal, His Excellency Ambassador El Hadji i Magatte Seye, Admiral Oumar Wade, and Admiral Abdou Sene, marked this key milestone in the Navy's modernization efforts.

This delivery is part of a contract signed in November 2019, encompassing three offshore patrol vessels. Following the WALO, delivered last June, and with the CAYOR currently being fitted out in Concarneau, the NIANI is now proudly bearing the Senegalese flag.

Vincent Faujour, President of the PIRIOU Group, stressed that the Senegal program has solidified PIRIOU's standing as a leading entity in the construction of armed vessels, opening new avenues for both the Group and Kership, the industrial prime contractor for the program.

He also commended his team's commitment to ensuring the program's success. The NIANI, joining the WALO, is a testament to PIRIOU's dedication to delivering high-quality, reliable naval vessels.

The WALO, Mr. Omar Youm mentioned, has already made significant contributions to maritime surveillance, border protection, and combating illegal immigration. The addition of the NIANI is expected to further bolster the naval forces' security posture, with the OPV 58 S vessels forming the backbone of their fleet.

About the OPV 58 S

The OPV 58S class patrol vessel has a length of 62.2 meters and a beam of 9.5 meters. Its draft and air draft are 2.9 meters and 22 meters, respectively. With a displacement of around 650 tons, she is powered by two MAN 175D diesel engines, each producing 2,220 kW. This enables the vessel to reach a top speed of 21 knots (39 km/h).

For armament, the OPV 58S class is outfitted with two Marte MK2/N anti-ship missile systems, one Simbad-RC system, a 76 mm cannon, two 20 mm cannons, and two 12.7 mm machine guns. She is equipped with the POLARIS combat management system. The vessel's operational range is 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 km) at a cruising speed of 12 knots (22.22 km/h).