Armón Vigo updates Spanish Cost Guard Most Advanced Patrol Vessel
The shipyard launched “Duque de Ahumada," to fight against crime and illegal immigration.
Armon marked a new shipbuilding milestone by launching an oceanic patrol vessel for the Spanish Cost Gard, yesterday at its Ría de Vigo shipyard. "Duque de Ahumada" will be the flagship—both the largest and most advanced—of the Spanish law enforcement agency maritime service fleet.
Launching was private, following instructions from the Ministry of Interior due to Dana storm in Valencia, and was attended by only about thirty people who witnessed the ship’s entry into the water. Work on the vessel will continue from this point, with delivery scheduled for next year.
This multipurpose vessel, measuring 82 meters-long and 14 meters-beam, is intended for patrol duties such as combat organized crime and drug trafficking, border surveillance, environmental protection, and illegal immigration control. It will feature a helicopter landing platform, a rescue room with capacity for over 350 people, a dedicated space for women and children, and a morgue. The ship will also be equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and two auxiliary boats: one for interventions and another for rescue, capable of reaching maximum speeds of 60 and 40 knots, respectively. Additionally, it will have a six-ton crane and deck space for four 20-foot containers. The interior is designed for the highest level of comfort and will allow the vessel to operate in adverse weather conditions for up to 30 days without dock. “Armón’s goal is to design and build custom vessels that comply with regulations and meet owner requirements,” the company states.
With a cost of 35 million euros, "Duque de Ahumada" will be the largest and most modern vessel in the Guardia Civil fleet. Its name pays tribute to the founder of the Spanish Cost Guardia and is already visible on the hull, alongside the Spanish flag.
10 Vessels Under Construction In early December, Armon Vigo will launch the fishing vessel "Don Juan Álvarez" for the Argentine company Conarpesa, partially owned by Vigo-based Wofco, and will deliver an oceanographic vessel for Iceland. The group currently has ten shipbuilding contracts underway at its two shipyards in Vigo. These include military vessels, trawlers, a ferry, and several marine research vessels, all for foreign clients from Sweden, French Polynesia, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Azores. Around 600 workers are involved, along with the auxiliary naval industry.
(Source: Atlántico Diario)