The Algerian Navy has commenced taking delivery of ten new FPB 98 patrol boats from France’s Ocea, with the second one departing St Nazaire, France, for Algeria. This is Ocea’s second contract from Algeria for FPB 98 vessels, with the French shipyard having delivered 21 FPB 98 vessels between 2008 and 2012.
According to Ocea, the FPB 98 is 32 meters long and six meters wide, has a crew of 14 and a top speed of 20-35 knots with a range of 1 200 nautical miles at 12 knots. Armament can include a 30 mm cannon also a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) can be launched from the back of the vessel – Algeria’s new FPB 98s carry a single RHIB.
The new patrol will help improve maritime security off of the country’s coast seeing as its coast has been used by immigrants as well as jihadis seeking to cross to Europe and vice versa. North Africa has been the arena of several cross-country and cross-continent crimes and as the new acquisition will aid in curbing the same and enhancing maritime security in the region.
