Uruguay approves Cardama Shipyard to build two OPVs for Navy first vessel expected in 18 months.

According to information published by Infodefensa on October 17, 2024, the Uruguayan government has officially approved the bank guarantees presented by the Galician shipyard Cardama, marking the final step before construction begins on two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Uruguayan Navy.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Artist rendering of the future OPV. (Picture source: Astillero Cardama)

With this approval, the process can now move forward, and the shipyard is expected to begin construction soon. The first of these vessels is projected to arrive in Uruguay within 18 months from the start of the building phase.

Each OPV will have a displacement of 1,700 tons, measuring 86.75 meters in length, 12.20 meters in beam, and a draft of 3.60 meters. The vessels will be powered by Caterpillar engines, equipped with controllable pitch propellers and a dynamic stabilization system to support helicopter operations. They will also feature two rapid-intervention boats launched via stern ramps, along with an auxiliary and rescue craft designed to meet Solas safety protocols. Beneath the flight deck, a multifunctional container system will provide space for equipment necessary for specialized missions, such as pollution control.

The OPVs will be capable of hosting Agusta Bell 412 helicopters, as specified by the Uruguayan Navy, and will be fitted for underway replenishment, significantly enhancing their operational endurance.

The ships’ combat management systems (CMS) will incorporate the Terma C-Flex suite, complemented by the advanced Scanter 6002 surveillance radar, already in service with top-tier naval forces. This system will be paired with electro-optical weapon stations featuring Escribano Sentinel 30 and 2.0 systems, and an Oteos N observation system, also from Escribano. These technologies will be controlled via the ship's combat information center (CIC), with additional displays on the bridge.

Each stabilized Sentinel weapons station will include its own electro-optical targeting system, combined with the Scanter 6002 radar and Oteos N observation, offering Uruguay’s navy enhanced detection, tracking, and combat capabilities previously unavailable. The vessels’ armament will be supplied by Escribano, including a 30mm main gun mounted on the Sentinel 30 system and two 12.7mm machine guns, one on each side of the ship, in 2.0 mounts.

Uruguayan Navy

The Uruguayan Navy is currently undergoing modernization efforts to revitalize its aging fleet. It focuses on maintaining a smaller but more efficient force, geared towards addressing non-traditional threats such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, drug trafficking, and maritime crimes.

The country's extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) presents significant operational demands for the Navy, which increasingly relies on patrol vessels and maritime surveillance.