The Tunisian Navy has taken delivery of another locally built patrol vessel, the third to be built under a partnership between the government and local private shipbuilding company Societe de Construction Industrielle et Navale (SCIN).
The vessel, Kerkouane (P212) was launched on 8 May in the port of Sfax in a ceremony attended by military dignitaries including Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Abderraouf Atallah.
SCIN CEO Wassim Koubaa said the partnership has resulted in the development of the naval industry in Tunisia and reduces reliance on foreign imports while lowering acquisition costs.
In March this year SCIN launched its second locally made patrol boat, the Utique (P211). The first, Istiklal (P201), was launched in August 2015.
The 80 ton vessels are 26.5 metres long and 5.8 metres wide. They are powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, each of which produces 3 200 horsepower, giving a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 600 nautical miles. Armament includes a 20 mm cannon and two machineguns. Accommodation is for a crew of 12 sailors. The vessels are fitted with a thermal imaging camera.
