Brazil suspends ocean-going patrol craft program

02.09.2010 Brazilian Navy decided to freeze building program of 1,800-ton ocean-going patrol ships NaPaOc (Navio Patrulha Oceanico), reports Jane's Navy International.

Late 2009 Brazilian defense ministry issued a tender for five ships of this type within the framework of national navy modernization program PAEMB (Plano de Articulacao e Equipamento da Marinha do Brasil). The project cost is evaluated as $510 mln. By the submittal deadline on Jan 8, 2010 there were eight contenders. Particularly, German shipbuilding company Fasmer presented project of OPV-80 ship, Spanish Navantia - modified project of patrol ship BVL (Buque de Vigilancia de Litoral), and French DCNS offered a Gowind-type ship. Other candidates were BAE Systems, Damen Schelde, DSME, and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems.

In accordance with National Defense Strategy of Brazil, ratified in Dec 2008, the federal government intends to conclude an agreement of strategic partnership which implies joint development of several types of ships instead of separate contracts on each class, said a representative of Brazilian Navy.

As a consequence, Brazilian defense ministry decided to suspend procurement of NPa-1800 and do not send offer for delivery to concerned companies until strategic partner is selected.

The Global Arms Trade Analytic Center previously reported of Brazilian-Italian talks on co-operation in development and building of three classes of warships. PAEMB program includes procurement of 30 frigates which are to be constructed within 20 years. First parcel will consist of five ships. The project also implies building of 12 ocean-going patrol ships, including 5 vessels at the first stage. Besides, Brazilian Navy needs five maintenance ships.

Depending on strategic partnership shaping process, NPa-1800 program can be continued with issuing of technical specifications or may be implemented along with other major projects, including frigates and auxiliary vessels.

In any scenario of developments, NPa-1800 ships must be constructed under a commercially available project meeting Brazilian requirements. The contract will be signed with a Brazilian private shipyard which is to build the warships in Brazil jointly with a foreign partner.