According to a recent publication by Astinave, the construction tasks for the future Multipurpose Ship for the Ecuadorian Navy are progressing. The unit, corresponding to the Fassmer MPV70 MKII design, is still in the assembly stage, with the first block having been transferred for placement on the slipway.
It is worth noting that in a previous publication, the assembly of the ship’s superstructure, including the bridge structure, has already been carried out. The construction, conducted entirely at Astinave’s facilities in the city of Guayaquil, represents a milestone for the Ecuadorian naval industry, with technical assistance from the German company in terms of naval engineering and supplies for its construction.
The versatility of this ship was a key aspect in its selection. This unit can operate as a command and control ship, with the ability to perform interdiction maneuvers against suspicious or hostile vessels. It has the capacity to embark two rigid-hulled inflatable boats for landing and a flight deck capable of operating a medium helicopter weighing up to 11 tons. Additionally, it has the capability to replenish other ships at sea due to its container-carrying capacity, which can be unloaded using a crane.
The construction, whose contract was signed in 2019, will allow the Ecuadorian Navy to have a ship with a projection capacity of 80 meters in length, 15 meters in beam, and 5 meters in draft. Its main armament will be composed of a 76mm cannon in the bow, together with two shafts for light weapons on each side.
*Image credits: Astinave Shipyard
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