Peruvian Navy launches two new patrol ships

The Peruvian Navy has launched and christened two new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), BAP Río Huarmey and BAP Río Nepeña, at SIMA Peru’s Chimbote and Callao shipyard.

The newly launched patrol vessels are part of a broader initiative to strengthen the country’s naval capabilities. They are the seventh and eighth ship in a series of ten new units Peru’s state-owned SIMA Peru is building for the Peruvian Navy.

Designed to safeguard national maritime interests, combat illegal activities, and protect human life, these vessels are expected to bolster efforts to monitor and secure Peru’s maritime domain. In addition, they will contribute to the national economy through job creation, the navy stated.

The Peruvian Navy also recently held a keel-laying ceremony for four new naval ships. The vessels will be built by South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) in collaboration with SIMA Peru.

The ships in question are a 3,400-ton frigate, a 2,200-ton oceangoing patrol vessel, and two 1,500-ton landing vessels. They are scheduled to be delivered successively to the Peruvian Navy starting in 2026.

The multi-role frigate will be a multipurpose unit capable of operating in different areas of naval warfare, while the offshore patrol ship will be able to protect national interests and provide disaster relief. The logistics transport ships will support naval operations by transporting essential supplies like fuel, food, and medical aid to ships deployed in the open ocean.