TALCAHUANO, Chile - Chile has commissioned its newest offshore patrol vessel, Cabo Odger (OPV 84). The ship was commissioned during a ceremony on August 10 presided over by President Michelle Bachelet and Commander in Chief of the Navy, Admiral Enrique Larranaga.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, Undersecretary of Defense Marcos Robledo, Commander in Chief of the Navy, Admiral Julio Leiva, Bío Bío Mayor Rodrigo Díaz, Talcahuano Mayor Henry Campos and the former commander in Chief Enrique Larrañaga.
OPV 84 is part of the Patrulleros de Zona Marítima program, based on Germany's OPV-80 class designed by Fassmer. The ships, also called Danube IV-class vessels, are being built at ASMAR's Talcahuano yard at a cost of $50 million a piece, with Fassmer providing technical support. The first ship (the Piloto Pardo) was commissioned in 2008, with the second (the Comandante Toro) following in August 2009. A third vessel (Marinero Fuentealba) was commissioned in November 2014.
OPV's are 80.6 meters long, have a full load displacement of 1,728 tons, and a maximum speed of 20 knots. They are equipped with a barrel gun and six machine guns and can accommodate a medium-sized helicopter. According to a statement by the Chilean Navy, Santiago plans to purchase a total of six vessels in the class.
The roles of the vessel are: patrolling, monitoring and control maritime territorial waters; Maritime Search and Rescue; Support for the maintenance of maritime signaling; logistical support to remote areas; Maritime transport and auxiliary police.
Chile has been able to use the building program to develop its manufacturing capabilities. Through the program Chile has obtained technologies and has developed processes to build a series of vessels. This demonstrates Chile's continued determination to develop its own defense industry.
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