Trinidad and Tobago order patrol ships

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards is to build a dozen vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force, the company announced.

The vessels, to enhance the country's maritime security, will be of three different types: Stan Patrol 5009 coastal patrol vessels, Fast Crew Supply 5009 Utility Vessels, and DI 1102 Interceptor vessels.

Patrol 5009 coastal patrol vessels are about 167 feet long, have a speed of more than 28 knots and a range of 2,500 nautical miles. They are equipped with advanced surveillance equipment and carry an on-board interceptor craft and a rigid hull inflatable boat.

Damen said Trinidad and Tobago will be supplied with four of the vessels.

Two Fast Crew Supply 5009 utility vessels are part of the overall order. The vessels are more than 177 feet long and are used for support of interceptor operations, disaster relief, search and rescue and coastal patrol.

The remainimg six ships to be supplied are the interceptors, which are about 72 feet long and which feature sppeds greater than 53 knots per hour.

"Damen is a company that prides itself on the quality and performance of the ships we build," said Damen Sales Director Americas Sander van Oord. "We are delighted to welcome the government of Trinidad & Tobago to our family and will strive to deliver this package on time and within budget. These are the hallmarks of Damen that have helped us become market leader in the Caribbean."

The value of the contract was not disclosed.