MAN engines to power West African naval vessels

Engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions has been contracted to provide engines for three OPV 58 S patrol boats being built by France’s Piriou group for the Senegalese navy, as well as for two Israel Shipyards vessels ordered by Ivory Coast.

The engines are likely the MAN 175D diesel engine which is a V type, and available with 12, 16 or 20 cylinders, with 175 mm bore for mechanical or electric propulsion and onboard power generation. According to MAN, it has a 1,500 to 2,000 rpm, featuring ratings from 1,440 to 4,400 kW.

Designed with a high-efficiency MAN turbochargers featuring an integrated lubrication system with electrical pre-lubrication, and high- and low-temperature split cooling circuits with integrated pumps and thermostats. The advanced MAN SaCoSone safety and control system ensures safe monitoring, control, and operation of the engine. The MAN 175D is optimized for high-speed marine applications.

In November 2019, the Ministry of Armed Forces of Senegal and the PIRIOU group in the presence of the President of the Republic of Senegal and the French ministerial delegation signed a contract to purchase three offshore patrol vessels dedicated to the Senegalese navy.

Senegal orders three OPV 58 S patrol vessels from France

The OPV 58 S Offshore Patrol Vessel is a 62m versatile, with high endurance and robust patrol vessel which can handle missions such as surveillance and sea control.

The vessels are armed with four MBDA anti-ship missiles (Marte Mk 2Ns) and the MBDA SIMBAD-RC air defence system with two Mistral 3 surface-to-air missiles, along with a 76 mm gun. France’s Naval Group will supply the combat management system (POLARIS).

Equipped with surface to air weapon systems for top-tier naval deterrence. OPV 58 S class of offshore patrol vessels are armed with a potent array of offensive weapons systems for anti-surface warfare and anti-aircraft deterrent capability.

Naval balance of power shifts, as Senegal introduces ship-killing warship

According to Piriou, construction would take place over 44 months, and conclude in mid-2024, with first deliveries from 2023. Construction of the hulls will be divided between Concarneau and Lanester, near Lorient, where the Kership shipyard – a partnership between Piriou (55%) and Naval Group (45%) – is located.

In 21 October last year, Piriou held a steel cutting ceremony for the first of three Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) for the Senegalese Navy.

PIRIOU cut first steel for Senegal’s new missile-armed OPV 58

The steel cutting event took place at PIRIOU’si facility in France, and was attended by General Birame DIOP, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Senegal and Admiral Oumar Wade, Chief of Staff of the Navy of Senegal.

The OPV 58 S vessels are part of a Senegalese Naval fleet recapitalization process following increased maritime security challenges across Africa.
This procurement and acquisition plan will be unveiled to the international public during the Africa Maritime Security Forum (AMSF 2020) held between 20th – 22nd January, 2020 in Dakar, Senegal.

On the other hand, two Israeli-built OPV 45 offshore patrol vessels were purchased by Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian President through a clandestine deal with Israel at an undisclosed price.

Ivory Coast identified as buyer of Israeli OPV 45 in secret deal

In July last year, Israeli Shipyards announced that it has delivered two 45 meters OPV 45 patrol vessels to an unnamed customer in Africa, the business is said to include the ongoing support and training as well as the creation of a maintenance programme within the framework of the company’s Integration Logistic Support (ILS) services.

OPV 45 patrol vessels is 45.7 metres long, has a beam of 8.6 metres and displacement of 300 tons. Maximum speed is about 24 knots and range more than 3,500 nautical miles at 12 knots. It can accommodate between 16 and 21 crew, and has additional berth for up to 24 personnel.

The vessel can carry a 7.2 metre rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) in an automated launch-and-recovery system on the aft deck, which can also take 20 foot containerised modules for different missions.

It can be armed with a variety of weapons such as a stabilised naval gun systems of up to 30 mm on the foredeck and 12.7 mm machineguns on both side of the vessel.

An optional Israeli-made day/night observation systems as well as a stabilized weapon systems is available.