Third patrol vessel in series delivered to Senegalese Navy

French shipbuilder Piriou has delivered the final one of three Walo-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) ordered from the company by the Senegalese Navy.

Named after a former kingdom that is now part of northern and central Senegal, Cayor was being built by the Kership joint venture formed by Piriou and compatriot shipbuilder the Naval Group.

The OPV has a steel hull, an aluminium superstructure with a bridge that offers all-round visibility, a length of 62.2 metres, a beam of 9.5 metres, a draught of 2.6 metres, and accommodations for 36 crewmembers and 12 additional personnel.

The armament includes Marte MK2/N anti-ship missiles, Mistral surface-to-air missiles, a Leonardo 76mm rapid-fire naval gun, two Nexter Narwhal 20mm autocannons fitted on remote weapon stations, and two 12.7mm machine guns. A Polaris combat management system supplied by the Naval Group is used in conjunction with the various onboard weapons.

Launch and recovery ramps are available at the stern for use by two rigid inflatable boats. There is also deck space for a cargo volume equivalent to that of two 20-foot containers and a knuckle boom crane.