Mexican Navy launches eighth Tenochtitlan class patrol vessel

The Mexican Navy has launched the eighth Tenochtitlan-class patrol vessel ARM Monte Albán (PC-338) during a ceremony held at the Navy’s Astimar 1 yard in Tampico on July 11.

Monte Albán is one of the twenty patrol vessels the Navy intends to operate in its maritime zones conducting surveillance operations, interdiction, search and rescue operations and combating illegal activities at sea.

In January 2016, the Mexican Navy signed a contract with the Dutch ship-builder/designer Damen for another three Tenochtitlan vessels. The latest contract will, according to Damen, bring the total number of vessels to ten.

All three vessels are being named after Mexican historical sites and are expected to be launched in 2016. With two launched so far, the Mexican Navy is on track to accomplish the set goals for this year.

The 42.80 meter long Stan Patrol 4207 design vessels are 7.11 meters wide, displace 239 tons and reach speeds of 25 knots. According to the Mexican Navy, the 18-crew vessels can stay on patrol for 14 days before they have to return to the port.

The launching ceremony for ARM Monte Albán was chaired by Admiral Vidal Francisco Soberon Sanz, Mexican Secretary of the Navy while Nuvia Mayorga Delgado, director of The National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (CDI) served as the ship’s sponsor.