On July 25, 2025, the Colombian COTECMAR Shipyard launched the country’s first indigenously designed and built Ocean Patrol Vessel, the future “ARC 24 de Julio”, along with a hospital ship and an island boat.
COTECMAR press release – Translated by Naval News
With the presence of Dr. Gustavo Petro Urrego, President of Colombia, accompanied by Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez Suárez and the military leadership, the launching ceremony was held for the Colombian Offshore Patrol Vessel ARC “24 de Julio”, the Hospital Ship Benkos Biohó, the Island Boat ARC “Isla San Andrés”, and the delivery of four Shallow-Draft Riverine Operation Boats.
These strategically and socially significant projects for the country were designed and built by the Science and Technology Corporation for the Development of the Naval, Maritime, and Riverine Industry (COTECMAR), reflecting the capabilities of the national industry and the talent of more than 1,300 men and women who make up the Corporation.
The Offshore Patrol Vessel, in particular, represents a milestone in Colombia’s technological independence in the global shipbuilding sector. With a length of 93 meters, a beam of 14 meters, and a draft of 3.9 meters, it is the largest ship ever built in the country for the Colombian Navy. It will enable a wide range of operations, including maritime security, patrol, surveillance, interdiction, and the protection of human life at sea, among others. With this project, Colombia positions itself as a regional leader with the capacity to design and build technologically advanced, large-scale ships.
The Hospital Ship is Colombia’s first Primary Health Care Center at sea and is part of Cotecmar’s dual-use technology projects. It will impact more than 100,000 people living along Colombia’s Pacific coast. Technically, the 39-meter-long and 9.5-meter-wide vessel will have a helipad and medical spaces equipped for surgery, specialized outpatient care, clinical laboratory, internal medicine, gynecology, diagnostic imaging, telemedicine, and general outpatient services.
During the same ceremony, Cotecmar also launched the Island Boat ARC “Isla San Andrés”, built for the General Maritime Directorate to support marine research operations, bathymetric surveys, coastal zone inspections, and monitoring of nautical activities. This vessel will operate in the archipelago of San Andrés and Providencia.
Additionally, four Shallow-Draft Riverine Operation Boats were delivered—part of the 26 contracted by the Colombian Navy. These vessels are specifically designed to access hard-to-reach riverine areas in operations led by the Marine Infantry.
With these milestones, COTECMAR reaffirms its commitment to technological sovereignty, naval innovation, and nation-building from the sea—contributing to defense, social development, and the creation of quality jobs for Colombians.
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Author’s comments
Colombia has taken a major step toward shipbuilding self-reliance with the launch of its Offshore Patrol Vessel, highlighting the country’s growing technological capabilities. Alongside it, the nation introduced its first domestically designed and built Hospital Ship, set to deliver essential healthcare services to more than 100,000 people in the Pacific region. The unveiling took place at Cotecmar’s facility during a ceremony marking both the 200th anniversary of the Colombian Navy and the Corporation’s 25th anniversary.
While the shipyard offers a range of services, including shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance, it has been involved in several military projects, producing vessels for the Colombian Navy, such as patrol boats, support ships, and multipurpose vessels. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the naval capabilities of the Colombian Armed Forces.
The OPV is designed and built by COTECMAR shipyard, which is a first for the country for such a vessel in this size. Moreover, the shipyard engaged in significant projects for the Colombian Navy, it signed an contract with Dutch Damen Shipyard for the construction of country’s most important warship project based on SIGMA 10514 model, namely Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES – Strategic Surface Platform). This will be COTECMAR’s first experience in building a frigate, which is expected to provide a huge experience to the shipyard in constructing large naval combatants.
You can read our interview with COTECMAR Shipyard’s President from the link below:
