VT Group to Build Offshore Patrol Vessels

Artist’s impression of the ships VT is to build for Trinidad and Tobago

Support services and shipbuilding company VT Group has been contracted to build and manage three (3) Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), including associated training and long-term maintenance support, that are to be supplied to Trinidad. The program, which was part of a proposal from the Government of the United Kingdom and VT Group to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, is valued at more than $201m. Contracts were signed in Trinidad on Thursday April 5. Design work will start immediately on the 295 ft. ships, which will be used for a range of Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ) management, special operations and maritime law enforcement tasks. They will be operated by the Trinidad and Tobago Coastguard and the first ship will be handed over in 2009.