Israeli-Built Patrol Vessel Delivered to Honduran Navy

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One of the most advanced patrol vessels, the OPV62, has reached its destination in Puerto Cortes where it has been unveiled in a celebratory ceremony attended by the president of Honduras.

The patrol vessel that has been built by Israel Shipyards in Haifa and sold to Honduras’ Navy was publicly displayed in the Central American country. The vessel, an OPV62, was delivered by Israel Shipyards’ chairman to the president of Honduras, Juan Orlando Hernandez, as part of a multi-million dollar agreement according to a press release by Israel Shipyards.

“The ship was able to sail continuously and faultlessly thus proving Israel Shipyards’ ability to construct military vessels,” said Israel Shipyards’ chairman, Sammy Katzav.

The newly-built vessel is one of the more advanced ships in the world. The ship weighs approximately 450 tons and is 62 meters long. It comes equipped with a stabilized artillery system, navigation systems, communication systems, a helipad, and two small speedboats. The vessel will be operated mainly to patrol the economic waters of Honduras. The ship will also patrol the area for drug traffickers and terrorist activity.

At the ceremony, Katzav mentioned Israeli Shipyards will continue to serve and work alongside the Honduran Navy.

The newly-built ship has left Israel Shipyards located in Haifa on the fifth of December 2019. After crossing the Mediterranean Sea, the vessel sailed towards the canary islands for a quick stop. The ship then proceeded to sail from the Canary Islands, across the Atlantic Ocean, until it managed to reach Puerto Cortes Port in the Honduran section of the Carribean Sea. The vessel has managed to cross two different seas and an ocean in about one month.