ASMAR Delivers FBM Protector to be Built in Chile

The final batch three FBM Protector33 patrol vessel of the Danubio project has been baptised and commissioned the General Service Patrol Boat (LSG) "Iquique" at a ceremony in the ASMAR (Astilleros y Maestranzas de la Armada) shipyard in Talcahuano, Chile. The ceremony marked the ended of the current production of boats for the Danubio Project and is the 16th FBM Babcock Marine designed 33m Protector Patrol Vessels constructed by ASMAR for the General Directorate of Maritime Territory and Merchant Marine over a six year period. The commissioning ceremony was headed by Admiral Miguel Angel Vergara, the Commander in Chief of the Chilean Navy, who was welcomed by Rear Admiral Heinz Pearce, ASMAR Executive Director. The ceremony was also attended by the Intendant of the Eighth Administrative Region Jaime Toha. The vessel's godmother was Mrs. Andrea Guerra, wife of the General Director of Services of the Chilean Navy. The Danubio Project enjoys the distinction of being the largest simultaneous commissioning of a single class of vessels for build in its own shipyard ever undertaken by the Chilean Navy. The 33metre patrol vessels fulfil a variety of tasks including the defence of maritime sovereignty, safeguarding of human life at sea, marine environmental protection and fisheries patrol duties along Chile's 6,400 kilometres of coastline. With a maximum speed of over 22 knots and a range in excess of 800 nautical miles, the vessels have a complement of 10, including 2 officers. LSG 'Iquique' will be commanded by First Lieutenant LT Sigfrido Ramirez and will operate in the northern area of Chile, with the port of Iquique as its base port.