Following a four-year acquisition program, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has agreed to purchase 12 vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force from Damen Shipyards, the shipbuilder announced today.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Ministry of National Security, was attended by Permanent Secretary Carl A. Francis on behalf of the Ministry of National Security and Damen Sales Director Americas Sander van Oord.
According to Damen, Trinidad and Tobago has ordered a package of vessels with the aim of enhancing the country’s maritime security and of establishing the foundations of a Maritime Security Wall. The order includes four Damen Stan Patrol 5009 Coastal Patrol Vessels, two Damen Fast Crew Supply 5009 Utility Vessels and six Damen Interceptor DI 1102 Interceptors.
Four Damen Stan Patrol 5009 Coastal Patrol Vessels:
- 51 meters long, 9 meters wide
- Speeds in excess of 28 knots
- Range exceeds 2500 nautical miles
- Equipped with an advanced surveillance system
- Deploys an on-board 11 meters interceptor plus a short-range 7.5 meters Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB)
- Uses a unique Sea-Axe design to dramatically enhance seakeeping in rough waters
- These vessels will patrol coastal waters and are also capable of operating in Trinidad and Tobago’s Exclusive Economic Zone
Two Damen Fast Crew Supply 5009 Utility Vessels:
- 54 meters long, 10 meters wide
- Speeds in excess of 20 knots
- Range exceeds 3000 nautical miles
- These vessels can be used for a variety of roles: support of interceptor operations, disaster relief, search and rescue, as well as limited coastal patrol
Six Damen Interceptor DI 1102 Interceptors:
- 11 meters long, 2 meters wide
- Speeds in excess of 53 knots
- Interceptors are capable of being embarked on and deployed from the SPas and FCS acting as a force multiplier
Since 1927, Damen has built a significant number of vessels for civil and military purposes. Such vessels are in service with the Coast Guards of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados and the Netherlands, among others.