Following successful sea-trials, C&I Leasing Plc, a leading player in the Nigerian offshore support vessel market, has taken delivery of four Damen SPa 1605 ballistic protected security patrol vessels. The patrol boats will be used to provide security patrol and escort services for LNG tankers calling in and out of the Nigerian LNG Bonny terminal.
The 16-metre craft have aluminium hulls and GRP composite superstructures. The accommodation has been additionally clad with bullet-proof materials to protect the personnel inside. All four vessels also feature upgraded water jets and engines for maximum performance.
After sales support is provided by a Damen Service Hub which was opened in Port Harcourt in early 2015. The hub also delivers on-site training and clears and delivers spare parts for the vessels. Martin Verstraaten, Damen Regional Service Manager Africa, says: “The establishment of the Service Hub ensures a local presence with quick response times with Field Service Engineers and a local Site Manager on the ground. This dynamic team maintains close contact with local repair facilities, cooperation with local suppliers and reinforces the strong relationship with our customers.”
While receiving the boats in Lagos, Mr. Wisdom Nwagwu (General Manager of C&I Leasing), disclosed that the NLNG contract, which was signed in late 2014, was for a five-year firm period with an option of a one-year extension and a cumulative option to a maximum of three years.
While commenting on the partnership with Damen, Mr. Nwagwu mentioned that this set of boats will bring the number of Damen-built boats in their fleet up to seven. “We strongly believe that our partnership with Damen will continually place us in a position to play a key role in the Nigerian marine sector,” he said.
Damen is providing additional support to C&I Leasing Plc. In November 2015, C&I Leasing sponsored twelve candidates to travel to Damen Shipyards Galati, in Romania, for a period of six weeks to study various aspects of ship building.
The four patrol boats were fitted out at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem and delivered to Nigeria as a single batch at the beginning of April 2016. An eight metre RHIB for up to 10 passengers was also delivered as part of the package.