Cotecmar to Build and Deliver

Cotecmar is to build and deliver an OPV and a logistics vessel for the Colombian Navy.

The OPV – designated the Patrullera Oceánica Colombiana, or POC – is to be a 93m vessel based on the Fassmer OPV 80 design, of which Cotecmar has already built three for Colombia. The initial concept was for a patrol boat design that could be expanded to a corvette-sized vessel if required, but the final decision was for a larger version of the OPV 80, in which the experience from previous construction could be integrated.

With a 76mm main armament, the OPV will carry a light helicopter, have a ramp for an interceptor boat and the ability to launch boats from side-mounted cranes.

The logistics vessel stems from the BAL6012 design, will be 60m in length with a 1,380t full load displacement and carrying 19 crew and 60 passengers. A 300m2 deck with a 20t capacity crane, plus a 40m2 covered cargo space and a side ramp for vehicles are among the vessel’s principal characteristics. Total cargo capacity will be 706t and the two 746kW 1800rpm heavy duty IMO TIER III engines, with two five-blade propellers and a bow thruster for manoeuvrability in restricted waters will enable it to achieve a speed of 12kts and an endurance of 40 days with 19 people (or 15 days with 79 people), and a range of 2,500nmi at 10 knots.

Santiago Rivas reporting from Buenos Aires for MON