IMDEX 19: Israel Shipyards unveils new OPV-45 multi-purpose OPV
15 May 2019
By Luca Peruzzi
During the first day of IMDEX Asia 2019, Israel Shipyards unveiled the latest addition to its product portfolio, with the presentation of OPV-45 multi-purpose Offshore Patrol Vessel.
Designed for a wide range of naval, paramilitary and homeland security operations, from open sea patrol and surveillance as well as a wide variety of offshore missions such as protecting facilities and EEZ, anti-terror/smuggling/illegal activities’ interdiction, intervention forces’ boarding/landing, and close-range Naval combat operations, including anti-piracy missions and enhanced search and rescue operations, the OPV-45 has been conceived as a cost-effective solution mainly for the export market, looking especially to the Asia-Pacific, African and South America regions. “The OPV-45 is another example of our ability to foresee and comply the market’s needs”, said Mr. Eitan Zucker, the company’s CEO during the unveiling ceremony.
With a hull and deckhouse built from marine grade steel, the OPV-45 has an overall length of 45.7 meters, an 8.6 meters beam and a 2.4 meters draft at full load. With a command bridge enabling 360° observation and a modular and large stern deck area which enables diversified and flexible operational options, the OPV -45 is capable to accommodate up to two 20ft containers equipped for various missions, as well as a 7.2 RHIB launch and recovery station allowing for fast intervention operations. The large stern deck area can be rearranged according to customer needs.
With a diesel engines-based propulsion system with two shafts and propellers, which can be customized depending on customer requirements, as well as a 45kW bow thruster for restricted water operations, the OPV-45 has a sustained speed of over 24 knots and an endurance of 3,000 nm at 12 knots. With accommodations for crew of 16-21 elements, plus an additional space for up to 24 personnel for missions involving Special Forces, search and rescue survivors and castaways, the OPV-45 can be equipped with a command, control and navigation suite including search/navigation radars (X/S band) and Electro-Optical director as well as an armament package including a remotely controlled 23-30 mm gun system, two 50 mm caliber stabilized guns and non-lethal weapons.
Photo by Luca Peruzzi
