Signed 01/11/2023, by the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Christos Stylianidis and the Managing Director of the Finnish shipyard “Marine Alutech OY AB”, Mr. Niko Haro, in the presence of the Ambassador of Finland to Greece, Mr. Jari Gustafsson, the no. T49/2023 contract for the supply of five (05) High Speed Patrol Vessels over 17.5m, with an option for an additional five (05), worth €17 + €17 million (€3.4 million per vessel).

The “Watercat 2000 Patrol” vessels to be acquired will have an overall length of 19.5 m, an overall width of 5.1 m, a maximum speed of over 50 knots and will carry state-of-the-art surveillance equipment.

These vessels will be allocated to cover the operational needs of the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard and will contribute substantially to the upgrading of the capabilities of the Hellenic Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard in the surveillance of maritime borders.

The main project is 90% co-financed by the Special Action “FRONTEX Organization Equipment” of the Internal Security Fund 2014-2020 of the European Union. The co-financing takes place after the positive evaluation of the proposals submitted by the L.S.-EL.AKT in the successive competitive expressions of interest (pledging exercise), which were issued by the European Commission in 2017 and 2018.

As far as the options are concerned, they have been included in the Program of the Financial Support Instrument for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMS) of the Integrated Border Management Fund 2021-2027 and will be co-financed at a rate of 75%.

The Minister of Shipping and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianidis stated in this regard:

“I would like to express my particular satisfaction for the signing of this contract. I am sure that the acquisition of these vessels will contribute decisively to the important work and the national mission of the Coast Guard – Hellenic Coast Guard for the protection of our maritime borders”.

Source: www.hcg.gr/