In a deal valued at tens of millions of Euros, Israel Shipyards is building a technologically advanced naval ship that will be delivered to Cyprus by the end of 2017.

By Israel Hayom Staff

Israel Shipyards has unveiled an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) designed and built for the Cypriot Navy. The project has been valued at tens of millions of Euros. The high-end vessel is slated to be delivered to the Cypriot Navy by the end of the year and integrated into the fleet patrolling Cyprus’ exclusive maritime economic zone.

In a statement released on Sunday, Israel Shipyards said the OPV, ordered in December 2015, was launched at a ceremony held last week at Israel Shipyards’ facility at Haifa Bay. Senior members of the Cypriot Defense Ministry, representatives of Israel’s Defense Cooperation Authority, and company executives attended the ceremony.

Offshore patrol vessel designed and builtI by Israel Shipyards Ltd – YouTube screenshot

“The project is of great importance for the company, and we invested our knowledge, experience and ingenuity in order to build and supply this unique, technologically advanced ship,” said Israel Shipyards CEO Avi Shahaf.

“We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Cypriot Defense Ministry for the trust they invested in Israel Shipyards to deliver this vessel.”

According to the company, the new offshore patrol vessel has a displacement of 430 tons, an overall length of 62 meters (203 feet), a maximum speed of 32 knots, and it carries up to 30 crew members.

The OPV is equipped with multiple sophisticated systems, including two Rafael Typhoon Weapon Stations, advanced radar, electro-optical and payload and navigation systems, communications systems that include satellite communications, and a state-of-the-art command and control systems. The vessel can accommodate a variety of advanced weapon configurations and complies with international regulations regarding stability, hull construction, navigation systems, etc., the company said.

The design supports open sea patrolling and surveillance operations, as well as operations seeking to thwart seaborne terrorism, smuggling, and other illegal maritime activities. The OPV further supports offshore facilities protection, special forces’ operations, search and rescue missions, and anti-pollution efforts.

Founded in 1959, Israel Shipyards is one of the largest privately owned shipbuilding and repair facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean. It employs some 500 people, including more than 35 engineers.

View original Israel Hayom publication at:
http://www.israelhayom.com/2017/09/19/israel-shipyards-launches-patrol-vessel-built-for-cyprus-navy/