It says the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia wants its Avante 3000 class of offshore patrol vessel to be bought by the navy and the company's ship, ESPS Relámpago paid an informal visit to Cape Town recently.
The Spanish Ministry of Defence said that the visit aims to provide the crew with rest and recuperation while enhancing co-operation and ties with the South African Navy.
Navantia said that the ship can be adapted to the requirements of the South African Navy, which is considering buying new offshore (OPV) and inshore (IPV) patrol vessels.
A company spokesperson said that, with a displacement of 2,650t and a length of 94m, "this OPV is a medium-sized, multi-purpose and high performance ship with great versatility, low acquisition and life cycle costs."
The Relámpago or Lightning is designed to protect seas "of interest for Spain" and maintain a naval presence overseas while carrying out maritime security tasks where required.
DefenceWeb says is is intended for low intensity scenarios, can be deployed in all oceans and can be self-sustaining for long periods at sea.
Go to http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=28865:navantia-shows-off-new-offshore-patrol-vessel-to-sa&catid=51:Sea&Itemid=106 for more info.
