Following successful sea-trials, C&I Leasing Plc, a leading player in the Nigerian offshore support vessel market, has taken delivery of four SPa 1605 ballistic protected security patrol vessels from Netherlands-headquartered Damen.
The patrol boats will be used to provide security patrol and escort services for LNG tankers calling in and out of the Nigerian LNG Bonny terminal.
The 16-metre craft have aluminium hulls and GRP composite superstructures. The accommodation has been additionally clad with bullet-proof materials to protect the personnel inside. All four vessels also feature upgraded water jets and engines for maximum performance.
After sales support is provided by a Damen Service Hub which was opened in Port Harcourt in early 2015. The hub also delivers on-site training and clears and delivers spare parts for the vessels. Martin Verstraaten, Damen Regional Service Manager Africa, said: “The establishment of the Service Hub ensures a local presence with quick response times with Field Service Engineers and a local Site Manager on the ground. This dynamic team maintains close contact with local repair facilities, cooperation with local suppliers and reinforces the strong relationship with our customers.”
The four patrol boats were fitted out at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and delivered to Nigeria as a single batch at the beginning of April 2016. An eight metre RHIB for up to 10 passengers was also delivered as part of the package.
By Jake Frith
