China Set to Deliver Newly Built Vessel to Nigerian Navy

The first of two China-built offshore patrol vessels ordered by Nigeria has completed its sea tests and is ready to be delivered to Nigeria's navy. China hopes that the export of the two OPV vessels can help open the West African market. The vessel has a displacement of 1,800 tons and can sail as fast as 21 knots for up to 20 days.

 A special ship-borne spilled oil recovery device could quickly respond to any oil spill emergency. Zhu Xuejun, chief engineer of the offshore patrol vessel, elaborates. "This is the device to recover spilled oil. The device could be lowered into sea by a crane, and it could then separate oil from water. Finally the separated oil is sucked into an oil container." The vessel has taken a variety of rigorous tests including sharp turns with stability at high speed.
 During the building process, Chinese engineers imparted a great deal of know-how and technological expertise to their Nigerian counterparts. The second OPV vessel is expected to be partially built in Nigeria in an attempt to further enhance the country's shipbuilding capability.

Credit: CRI