From Africa Intelligence

The freeze on defence contracts caused by the reorganization of the National Popular Army (ANP) general staff (MC 1310) is not affecting all suppliers. According to our information, French naval shipbuilder OCEA has won a second contract from the Algerian Naval Forces for 10 or so FPB-98 patrol boats. These 32 m long vessels can transport a dozen or so naval personnel at around 50 kph.

The Algerian navy already has 21 FPB-98 patrol boats, delivered to it by OCEA between 2008 and 2011. These vessels are designed for surveillance of the country’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The order is well-timed: in March, Abdelaziz Bouteflika signed a decree setting up an EEZ extending to the coasts of Sardinia and Spain (MC 1288). The navy’s patrol boat needs have increased, moreover, as a result of the increase in the number of craft taking harraga (clandestine migrants) to Europe.

IMAGE: OCEA has won a contract from the Algerian Naval Forces for 10 or so FPB-98 patrol boats. ©OCEA