The first of two Chinese-built P18N offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by Nigeria arrived in Lagos on 6 Feb, automatic identification system (AIS) data shows.
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| First Chinese-Built OPV Arrives In Lagos. |
NNS Centenary (F 91) was built by China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Company (CSOC) at its Wuchang Shipyard in Wuhan, and sailed for Nigeria in December.
The 95 m, 1,800 tonne P18N OPV has an endurance of 20 days and a range of 3,000 n miles (5,556 km) at 14 kts, according to CSOC officials.
On 9 February the Nigerian media quoted Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, the commander of the Nigerian Navy, as saying the second P18N, NNS Unity (F 92), would arrive in the country later in 2015.
While the initial plan was for the second vessel to be completed at a refurbished naval yard in Nigeria's Port Harcourt, Unity has been photographed being outfitted in Wuchang.
Nevertheless, Vice Adm Jibrin said a substantial part of the finishing and fittings for the second vessel would be done in Nigeria in order to enhance the country's indigenous shipbuilding capacity and create jobs for unemployed youths.
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