OPV-64

Royal Moroccan Navy Raïs Charkaoui OPV-64 patrol vessel.
Class overview
Name	OPV-64
Builders	Lorient Naval Industries currently STX France SA
Operators	Royal Moroccan Navy
Built	1994–1997
In service	1995–present
Completed	5
Active	5
General characteristics
Class and type	Raïs Bargach class
Type	offshore patrol vessel
Displacement	580 tonnes [1]
Tons burthen	650 tonnes [1]
Length	64 m [1]
Beam	11,42 m [1]
Draught	3 m [1]
Installed power	7.6 MW [1]
Propulsion	2 Wartsila Nohab 16V25 diesels 2 Leroy-Somer electric propulsors [1]
Speed	25 knots (8 knots in economic/electrical mode) [1]
Range	4000 nmi @ 12 kn 3000 nmi @ 15 kn [1]
Endurance	maximum 20 days [1]
Complement	46 (6 officers, 40 enlisted) + 8 spare berths [1]
Sensors and processing systems	Surface search: Decca Bridgemaster 2000 Navigation: Decca 2090 ARPA Sonar: Commercial fathometer [1]
Armament	1 × 40 mm Bofors cannon 2 × 20 mm Oerlikon AA cannons 2 × 2 14.5 mm [1]

OPV-64^[2] is a type of Offshore Patrol Vessel based on a Leroux & Lotz patrol vessel concept and designed for the needs of the Royal Moroccan Navy, ordered in late 1993.^[3]

Definition of the requirements[]

The main propulsion systems are two Wartsila Nohab 16V25 diesel engines with 7.6 MW power produced. A secondary propulsion system is fitted separately from the main engines and used for economic mode or emergencies.^[1]

The main mission is the surveillance of Moroccan EEZ and control of fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean, with secondary roles including detecting illegal immigration, smuggling and drug trafficking and supporting counter terrorism and search and rescue patrols along Moroccan coasts.

Equipment[]

The armament was recycled from decommissioned warships and from Royal Moroccan Army's inventory, later added after reception of the ships between 1995 and 1997 in Moroccan Navy Bases.^[1]

Original armament:

• 2 x 20 mm

Added after reception:

• 1 x Bofors 40 mm
• 4 x (2 twin) KPV 14.5 mm
• 1 x Oerlikon 20 mm

Ships[]

References[]