Second BAL-C Destined for Atlantic Operations

COTECMAR – the Science & Technology Corporation for Development of the Colombian Naval & Maritime Industry – has begun construction of the second Buque de Apoyo Logistico y Cabotaje (BAL-C, logistic and cabotage support vessel) for Guatemala.

The vessel is destined for Atlantic coast operations and will be of the Unidad de Reacción Rápida (URR, rapid reaction unit) configuration, carrying high-speed boats on board and capable of maritime interdiction operations.

The first BAL-C, QUETZAL (BL-1601), also built by COTECMAR, was delivered to the Guatemalan Navy last year. It currently operates in the Pacific, conducting humanitarian assistance and search and rescue operations as well as countering transnational criminal activity.

Florencia Lucero Heguy and Santiago Rivas in Buenos Aires for MON