Damen, Astinave in patrol boat deal

GORINCHEM, Netherlands, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- An Ecuadorean shipyard is to build Damen Stan Patrol 5009 vessels for the country's coast guard under license from the Dutch company.

Under a recently signed contract, Damen will supply Astilleros Navales Ecuatorianos, or Astinave, with prefabricated kits to build two vessels and will also provide on-site technical assistance.

The Stan 5009, which Ecuador will use for general patrol duties, is 164.6 feet long and has a top speed of 23 knots. The vessel can accommodate 32 people.

The design of both vessels was modified to meet Ecuadorean requirements, Damen said.

"Our most challenging modification was to change the standard accommodation layout to fit one extra bed in each room without losing comfort," said Ezequiel Najmias, Damen's regional sales manager. "By increasing the fuel capacity to 90m3, enlarging the storage and freezer rooms and installing a powerful water-maker, both vessels will be able to operate autonomously for 30 days."

Ecuador's coast guard currently operates three Damen SPa 2606 boats, with a fourth currently under construction by Astinave.