French shipbuilder Piriou has launched the lead vessel of a new class of three offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered by the Senegalese Navy.
The future Walo is being built by the Kership joint venture formed by Piriou and fellow French shipbuilder the Naval Group. Construction of all three vessels is scheduled to be completed by the summer of 2024.
Each new OPV will have a length of 62 metres and guided weapon systems for anti-air warfare and anti-surface warfare. A stern ramp will be used for the launch and recovery of two small fast boats.