OPV-70
Builders
Built range2008–present
In service range2011–present
Total ships planned4
Total ships completed1
Total ships active1
OPV-70
ClassBir Anzaran class
Displacement800 tonnes
Length70 m
Beam11,3 m
Draught3,25 m
Power8.16 MW (5 500 cv)
Propulsion2 x Wärtsilä 12V26 diesel engines
Speed22 knots (41 km/h)
Range4200 Nm (7780 km) @ 12 knots
Endurance15 days
BoatsFast intervention craft on the deck
Complement64 officers; ratings 4 pax
SensorsSurface search: DECCA Bridgemaster II radar
Armament
Aircraft facilitieshelicopter landing pad / no hangar

OPV-70 [1] is an Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Royal Moroccan Navy, designed by Raidco Marine and built at STX France SA.

The first vessel received, was named after the Battle of Bir Anzaran, between the Polisario Front and Royal Armed Forces in 1979.

Definition of the Equipment and requirements

The main mission is the surveillance of Moroccan EEZ and control of fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, with secondary roles including detecting illegal immigration, smuggling and drug trafficking and supporting counter terrorism and search and rescue patrols along Moroccan coasts.

Bir Anzaran is the first in a series, which will include three more units: P342, P343 and P344 with an option for two more.[2] The Moroccan EM (Etat Major) now discuss the purchase of a more sophisticated and advanced version for the three last ships to be built.

Its hull is made of steel and aluminum structures, for a displacement of 800 tonnes with a maximum speed of 22 knots.[3]

It received its weapons at the port of Casablanca:[3]

Ships

Pennant no.[4]NameLaunchedCommissionedStatus
P-341Bir Anzaran25 Aug 201023 June 2011In service
P-342Under construction.
P-343Under construction.
P-344Under construction.

References

  1. ^ STX Europe main page
  2. ^ "Janes Navy International". Archived from the original on 2011-08-04. Retrieved 2012-09-24.
  3. ^ Specifications for Bir Anzaran (OPV 70) class Offshore Patrol Vessel, on seaforces
  4. ^ GlobalSecurity – Moroccan Navy equipment