The OPV Phenomenon

Course Description:

Many fleets around the world are trying to increase their fleets while still holding to budgetary constraints. One viable solution is to build classes of smaller platforms, using mostly commercial standards and hardware, to boost fleet numbers. At the forefront of this category is the Offshore Patrol Vessel, or OPV.

Like most other ship categories, it is difficult to use absolutes to define the OPV. While its category can be defined broadly in terms of length, tonnage or speed, defining a specific mission or missions for this category of ship can prove elusive. But in general, OPVs are large patrol vessels designed for extended range and patrolling duration. Most range in the median category of approximately 700 and 3,700 tons and 50 - 110 meters, but again these numbers can vary greatly. The ships are designed for extended endurance, range and adequate sea-keeping necessary for continuous patrolling for weeks, or even months, in duration. OPVs are often built to commercial standards, though may incorporate space and weight margins for future weapon upgrades. To accommodate these upgrades, certain naval standards and weapons effects criteria may be incorporated.

This webinar will attempt to answer these questions regarding the estimated $60 billion (US) OPV market: