ARES 150 HERCULES Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), developed by ARES Shipyard, is preparing for its second export voyage. Bangladesh is planning to procure 9 ARES 150 HERCULES OPVs, according to the news of Savunmasanaist.
The ARES 150 HERCULES Offshore Patrol Vessel, designed and manufactured by ARES Shipyard with national resources, was previously exported to Qatar and made available to the Qatari Coast Guard units. Bangladesh Coast Guard plans to procure 9 of the ARES 150, which is preparing to embark on its second export voyage.
Within the scope of the Bangladesh ARES 150 HERCULES Program, where technology transfer is also aimed, it is emphasized that the first ship will be built at ARES Shipyard facilities in Antalya, and the remaining 8 ships will be built in Bangladesh.
Exported to Qatar
Operating in Antalya Free Zone, ARES Shipyard signed an export contract with the Ministry of Interior of Qatar in 2014. The contract in question covered the construction of 17 HERCULES Class Fast Patrol Ships in 3 different configurations. ARES Shipyard successfully delivered the ARES 75 HERCULES (5 units), ARES 110 HERCULES (10 units), and ARES 150 HERCULES (2 units) class boats within the scope of the contract it won by leaving 18 companies behind.
It became the focus of international attention
Developed within the scope of the project, ARES 150 HERCULES became the focus of international attention with its firsts. According to the information obtained; ARES 150 HERCULES Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) has the title of ‘the world’s fastest offshore patrol vessel’ and ‘the largest composite hull vessel ever built in Turkey’.
Features of ARES 150 HERCULES
ARES 150 HERCULES has a length of 48 meters, a maximum speed of 37 knots, and a cruising range of 1600 knots. On the ship, there are electro-optic sensors, 30mm GUARDIAN Remote Controlled Stabilized Gun, and 2 12.7mm STAMP Remote Controlled Stabilized Weapon Systems for use against conventional and asymmetric threats. In addition, 2 ARES 24 HARPOON Rapid Response Boats are deployed on the stern of the ship to be used during the operations and transfers of the special teams. Ares Shipyard delivered 14 ARES 24 HARPOON to the Ministry of Interior of Qatar.
