Damen to build two SPa 5009 patrol boats for Ecuadorian Coastguard

Damen has been awarded a contract by the AstillerosNavalesEcuatorianos (Astinave) to construct two SPa’s 5009 patrol boats for deployment with the Ecuadorian Coastguard.

As part of the contract, Damen will collaborate with the Ecuadorian shipyard and carry out work on the construction of both vessels locally.
Damen Americas sales manager Ezequiel Najmias said: "We see Astinave not only as a client but also as a partner.

"Our relationship with them started more than a decade ago when both parties signed a Strategic Alliance Framework Agreement.

"Astinave has built a great number of vessels in cooperation with Damen, including tugs, cutter suction dredgers, fast crew suppliers and patrol vessels."

Further, Damen Technical Cooperation (DTC) will deliver prefabricated kits to Astinave for the construction of vessels, as part of the deal to offer on-site technical assistance during the construction and commissioning periods.

To be commissioned for general patrol duties, the two new Damen SPa’s 5009 boats are powered by four fixed-pitch propellers, which will enable boats to cruise at maximum speed of 23k.

Damen claims that both the vessels can accommodate 32 personnel, while operating for up to 30 days without any external support.

Najmias added: "Our most challenging modification was to change the standard accommodation layout to fit one extra bed in each room without losing comfort.

"By increasing the fuel capacity to 90m3, enlarging the storage and freezer rooms and installing a powerful water-maker, both vessels will be able to operate autonomously for 30 days."

Ecuador’s Coastguard’s fleet already comprises three Damen SPa’s 2606, with the construction on the fourth one currently underway at Astinave’s facilities.

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