The Amazonas class comprises three offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) built by VT Shipbuilding (now BAE Systems Surface Ships). The ships entered service with the Brazilian Navy during 2012 and 2013.

Design and construction

The vessels are based on the Royal Navy's s, are long, and have 80 man crews plus accommodation for 40 troops. They are designed to perform a range of Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) management, special operations and maritime law enforcement tasks.

The first vessel was named Port of Spain at her launch at BAE Systems Surface Ships’ Portsmouth facility, on 18 November 2009.

The second was named Scarborough on her launch a day later at Scotstoun in Glasgow, and began sea trials in July 2010, reaching .

The third was named San Fernando when launched on 16 July 2010 at Scotstoun on the River Clyde.

Operators

The Amazonas class were originally named as the Port of Spain class and built for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. Then, despite two of the vessels having been completed at the time and awaiting delivery, and with crew training ongoing in the United Kingdom, the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (GORTT) cancelled the order in September 2010.

In December 2011, it was reported that the Brazilian Navy were interested in buying the vessels, and possibly up to five additional vessels of the same design. The sale, for £133 million, was then confirmed on 2 January 2012.

Amazonas was commissioned into the Brazilian Navy on 29 June in Portsmouth. During her one-month voyage to Brazil, she docked in the cities of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte and Salvador, Bahia in September, and was expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on 5 October.

Ships of class Pennant No Name Builder Launched Commissioned Fleet Status Remarks P120 Amazonas BAE Systems Portsmouth 18 November 2009 29 June 2012 Grouping Naval Southeast (Brazilian Navy) In service Launched as Port of Spain P121 Apa BAE Systems Scotstoun, Glasgow. Scotland 15 July 2010 30 November 2012 Grouping Naval Southeast (Brazilian Navy) In service Launched as Scarborough P122 Araguari BAE Systems Scotstoun, Glasgow. Scotland 16 July 2010 21 June 2013 Grouping Naval Northeast (Brazilian Navy) In service Launched as San Fernando

Images

See also List of naval ship classes in service River-class patrol vessel, a design on which the Amazonas-class is based.

References

External links Press release from BAE Systems Product information from BAE Systems BAE Systems Datasheet