Within the framework of the modernization and strengthening of the capabilities of the National Maritime Authority, the Peruvian Navy carried out the raising, for the first time, of the National Flag on board the BAP “Río Huarmey” (PM-210) and BAP “Río Nepeña” (PM-211), which, in this way, are incorporated into the service of the Institution to carry out control and surveillance actions of aquatic activities in the area of maritime responsibility, in order to ensure the safety of human life at sea, protect the marine environment and repress illicit activities.
The ceremony took place on January 22nd at the pier of the Callao Naval Base and was presided over by the President of the Republic, José Jeri Oré. Also in attendance were civil and military authorities, the Commander General of the Navy, Admiral Javier Bravo de Rueda Delgado, employees of the Navy’s Industrial Services (SIMA Perú), and other guests.
During the ceremony, the President of the Republic handed over the national flags to the Commanders of the respective coast guard units to be raised by the least senior officer on duty.
In his speech, the Commander General of the Navy pointed out that these ships will have the capacity to operate beyond 200 miles along the national coastline, in strict compliance with the international commitments assumed by the Peruvian State, which are being carried out by the maritime patrol boats “Río Pativilca”, “Río Cañete”, “Río Piura”, “Río Quilca”, “Río Tumbes” and “Río Locumba”, delivered by SIMA Perú between 2015 and 2022.
He also acknowledged the work done by the employees of SIMA –Chimbote Operations Center–. He added: “These ships are yet another example of SIMA’s great construction capacity, a result of the talent and commitment of its workers, the artisans of steel. In this way, the Navy remains steadfast in implementing the industrial reform policy by strengthening the development of the shipbuilding industry, investing in Peruvian talent.”
The construction of the maritime patrol vessels is part of the public investment project “Restoration of capabilities to conduct surface coast guard operations in the national maritime domain and search and rescue operations in the SAR area.” It also demonstrates the strengthening of the national shipbuilding industry, its technical and professional capacity, the creation of strategic alliances, technology transfer, and the attainment of internationally certified quality standards.
Regarding the socio-economic impact generated, the construction of the maritime patrol boats has boosted the country’s economic recovery, strengthening national SMEs and generating employment, especially in Ancash, which have contributed to the socio-economic development of Peru.
Characteristics:
- Length: 55.3 m
- Sleeve (width): 8.5
- Draft (height): 2.3 m
- Maximum speed: 23 knots
- Propulsion: 2 Caterpillar engines of 2,525 kw x 1800 rpm.
- Range: 3000 nautical miles
- Displacement: 450-500 tons
- Crew: 25 crew members and 14 members of the boarding party
- Armament and equipment: 30mm automatic cannon with night vision and laser rangefinder, 2 x 12.7mm machine guns and 2 high-speed (45 knots) RIB-type boats for boarding operations