Pakistan Navy’s second OPV launched in Romania

Dutch shipbuilder Damen has launched the second of two Pakistan Navy offshore patrol vessels at its shipyard in Galati, Romania.

The two OPVs, referred to as corvettes by the Pakistan Navy, are being built under a contract from June 2017.

The lead ship in the class was launched in May 2019 and is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

According to specifications shared by the navy, the OPVs are likely based on Damen’s OPV2400 design, displacing 2,300 tons and measuring 90 meters in length.

Pakistan is currently in the process of upgrading and renewing its navy, with contracts in place for the construction of four MILGEM corvettes and four Type 054A frigates.

The navy has recently introduced a new tanker into the fleet and could be expected to welcome a Chinese-built survey ship this year.