In light of the recovery works for the logistic ship ARA “Patagonia” initiated at the end of 2022, the Argentine Navy began the tender process for the acquisition of spare parts for the WARTSILA SACM UD-30 V12-S3 generator engines (Ex MGO 175 V 12 ASHR), according to public tender 0186/2024 published in the Official Gazette today.
The ARA Patagonia underwent general overhaul work in 2023, during which valves, pumps, and the propulsion shaft of the ship were repaired. After leaving one of the docks of the Puerto Belgrano Naval Arsenal, the ship participated in Operation Miaplacidus VII, being the first operational exercise where the Patagonia was involved.
Before joining the amphibious task force highlighted in said operation, the unit sailed from the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base to conduct a general systems test and role adjustment.
With a displacement of 17,800 tons at full load, a length of 157.80 meters, a beam of 21.23 meters, and a draft of 8.65 meters, the ARA “Patagonia,” thanks to its transport capacity (9,600,000 liters of fuel, 140 tons of distilled water, and 170 tons of provisions), is one of the most valued units by the Navy when deploying its naval power.
In particular, according to various reports, the unit did not sail again after the tests were carried out, its absence being notable in the current deployment of units of the Sea Fleet and the Maritime Patrol Division on the occasion of the “Gringo Gaucho II” Exercise, which took place alongside the aircraft carrier USS George Washington of the US Navy, together with the destroyer USS “Porter” and the Logistics Ship USNS “John Lenthall.”
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