Sri Lanka to commission first India-built OPV

The Sri Lankan Navy is to commission the first of two India-built offshore patrol vessels, SLNS Sayural, after it is delivered in a ceremony set for July 22.

According to India’s Hindustan Times, the 105 meter long OPV is expected to be inducted into Sri Lanka Navy service on August 2.

The two OPVs, built by Goa Shipyards Limited under a US$ 155 million contract, will be the largest vessels the navy has operated.

The advance offshore patrol vessels are 105.7 meters long and displace 2350 tons. They have accommodation facilities for 18 officers and 100 sailors. The ships’ endurance is 4,500 nautical miles according to the Sri Lanka Navy.

The AOPVs are based on the Indian Coast Guard’s Samarth-class offshore patrol vessels.