Senegal Orders 3 Offshore Patrol Vessels from French Shipyard Piriou

Construction of the three vessels will start in early 2020 while their delivery is set to take place by mid-2023. The contract also includes follow on support which will be conducted at the local site of PIRIOU NGOM SENEGAL.

The “OPV 58 S” is a robust and versatile 62 meters patrol vessel dedicated to surveillance, identification and intervention missions. In addition to its projection capabilities (commando RHIB), it has a first-rate deterrent capability through its anti-surface warfare and anti-aircraft weapons systems.

Among the ship’s major innovations and capabilities are:
• a very versatile design to configure the ship depending on the missions
• a large 360 ° panoramic bridge
• a rapid launch and recovery system at the stern for 2 RHIBs
• a C-Sharp hull form providing optimized range and sea-keeping

OPV 58 S main specifications

Length: 62.20 meters

Width: 9.50 meters

Draft: 2.90 meters

Speed: 21 knots

Range / Endurance: 25 days, 4,500 nautical miles @ 12 knots

Hull / Structure: Steel / Aluminum

Accommodations: 48 (24 crew + 24 mission personnel)

Stern ramp for two RHIBs

Based on the images, the OPV 58 S will be fitted with missile systems, a first for both the Senegalese Navy and the Piriou shipyard. The weapons suite of the OPV 58 S appears to consist of:

• A 76mm main gun by Leonardo
• 4x anti-ship missiles placed forward (likely Marte by MBDA)
• 2x 12.7mm manned manchine guns on the bridge wings
• 2x 20mm remote weapon stations (Narwhal by Nexter) at the back of the bridge
• A SIMBAD-RC surface to air system by MBDA (maybe in its SPIMM containerized variant).

Edit: Contacted by Naval News, MBDA confirmed that the missiles systems are SIMBAD-RC (not SPIMM) and Marte MK2/N. Naval Group will supply the combat management system (POLARIS).