Nigeria’s second Turkish-made OPV-76 offshore patrol vessel completes sea trials
As reported by Jake on March 3, 2025, the second OPV-76-class Offshore Patrol Vessel, designated P204, constructed by the Turkish company Dearsan Shipyard for the Nigerian Navy, has successfully completed its first set of sea trials, reaching a speed of approximately 30 knots. The OPV-76 class vessels are part of Nigeria’s efforts to enhance its maritime security and operational capabilities, following an agreement signed with Dearsan in 2021.
The Nigerian Navy initiated the procurement process for the OPV-76 class vessels in August 2021 to strengthen maritime security. Approval was granted by then-President Muhammadu Buhari, leading to a contract between the Nigerian Navy and Dearsan Shipyard on November 3, 2021. Construction officially began with a keel-laying ceremony on September 16, 2022, attended by Nigerian and Turkish officials. Each vessel has an estimated cost of $80 million, with an initial payment of $35 million made in June 2022. The project was scheduled for completion within 37 months.
The first vessel in the series, designated P203, was launched on October 26, 2023, followed by P204 on April 19, 2024. Both vessels are expected to be delivered to Nigeria in 2025. Their launch ceremonies were attended by Nigerian officials, including First Lady Remi Tinubu, Defense Minister Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, and Navy Commander Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla. The OPV-76 program is intended to modernize the Nigerian Navy’s fleet, addressing maritime threats and increasing security in the Gulf of Guinea.
In addition to the OPV-76 project, Dearsan Shipyard is involved in the refit of Nigeria’s flagship vessel, the NNS ARADU (F89) frigate, and the construction of a 57-meter Tuzla-class patrol boat. The NNS ARADU, built in Germany, is undergoing upgrades at Dearsan’s facility in Tuzla, Istanbul. The Tuzla-class patrol boat, already in service with the Turkish and Turkmen navies, is expected to improve Nigeria’s coastal security. Nigerian Navy personnel are also receiving training in Türkiye on the Abramak IP-based integrated communication system, which will be installed on the OPV-76 vessels.
The OPV-76 class is designed with a modular configuration, allowing the Nigerian Navy to perform various roles, including maritime patrol, surveillance, anti-smuggling operations, search and rescue, and special forces deployment. The vessels can be reconfigured with additional sensors and weapon systems to adapt to different operational requirements. This design provides operational flexibility while maintaining cost-effectiveness. In peacetime, the ships will primarily focus on securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, where challenges such as piracy and illegal fishing persist.
The OPV-76 is 76.8 meters long and 11 meters wide, with a displacement of 1,100 tons. It is powered by four MAN 18VP185 diesel engines, enabling a maximum speed of 28 knots. The vessel has an operational range of 2,500 nautical miles and an endurance of up to 16 days at sea. The hull is made of steel, while the superstructure consists of Sealium aluminum, in accordance with Türk Loydu ship classification standards. The vessel is equipped with a flight deck that can accommodate a medium-sized helicopter but does not have a hangar.
The combat systems on board the OPV-76 vessels include the ADVENT combat management system developed by HAVELSAN. The armament comprises a Leonardo 40 mm Marlin gun, an Aselsan 30 mm SMASH remote-controlled naval gun at the stern, and two Aselsan 12.7 mm STAMP remote-controlled weapon stations. The sensor suite includes a 2D surface search radar from GEM Elettronica and an electro-optical fire control system for targeting. The ships will also feature YALTES-produced operator consoles and an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). Two RHIBs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats) will be carried for interdiction operations.
Nigeria’s naval modernization efforts include the expansion of its fleet with vessels such as the OPV-76, P-18N OPVs, Hamilton-class cutters, fast patrol boats, and inshore patrol vessels. These acquisitions aim to improve Nigeria’s ability to secure territorial waters, protect offshore hydrocarbon resources, and counter maritime threats. The OPV-76 vessels are expected to support missions including anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, fisheries protection, disaster relief, and maritime interdiction.