Spanish builder to supply patrol crewboats for operation in Gulf of Guinea

Spain's Aresa Shipyard signed a long-term contract with an undisclosed UK-based oil-and-gas and crew-transfer company to supply coastal patrol crewboats for the Gulf of Guinea. The 20-metre vessels will combine offshore personnel transport and security work, with a maximum speed of 40 knots, a range of 600 nautical miles and capacity for 20 passengers plus two crewmembers. Equipment will include an armoured cabin, ballistic glass, electro-optical and infrared surveillance, and advanced navigation and communications systems, with additional roles including interception and search and rescue. The agreement forms part of a progressive fleet-renewal programme, and delivery of the first vessel is scheduled for May 2027.