Greece to commission new vessel to patrol illegal immigration

Greece’s Hellenic Coast Guard is planning to add a new open-sea patrol vessel to its fleet, the Stan Patrol 5509, which would be targeted at thwarting illegal immigration flows.

According to Maritime Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, the issue of illegal immigration flows into Greece via sea routes has made the requirement for transforming and enforcing sea patrols a requisite for the country.

The €28.8m funding for the construction of the new boat will be covered by the European Fund for External Borders, according to Greek Reporter.
Primarily serving military missions, the Stan Patrol 5509 is based on the enlarged ship concept which integrates a sea axe bow form.

The vessel’s hull is made of steel and the wheelhouse is completely made of aluminium.

The 55m long vessel’s forward bow deck can be mounted with weapon systems, while the astern of the bridge structure would also be deployed with armaments.

Capable of carrying two rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) to achieve long-range interception and boarding capability, the vessel also integrates other auxiliary systems including fire-fighting system, bilge water separator and fuel separator.

In addition, patrol vessels can also store fuel oil, fresh water, bilge water, lube oil and sewage.

Greece has been hit with illegal immigration flows, which have even increased in the past few days through the country’s eastern borders.