French Shipbuilder Kership Secures Contract for Montenegro’s Navy
Paris, France – French shipbuilder Kership has announced a significant contract to deliver two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) to the Montenegrin Navy. The agreement was formalized at a defense trade convention in Paris and focuses on Kership’s advanced OPV 60M vessel, renowned for its versatility in maritime law enforcement and military operations with high-endurance capabilities.
The OPV 60M measures 62 meters (203 feet) in length and is designed with twin stern ramps, allowing it to deploy two rigid hull inflatable boats efficiently during high-speed maritime missions. The vessel features a 360-degree view bridge, a sophisticated combat system for anti-surface and anti-air warfare, and a patented hull design that enhances both autonomy and seakeeping.
This contract is part of a broader effort to strengthen Montenegro’s defense capabilities, following an agreement between Montenegro and France last April. The initiative aims to bolster the Balkan nation’s military integration with NATO allies, particularly in light of Montenegro’s accession to the alliance in 2017.
“The state support associated with the Kership commercial contract is provided by the DGA for the benefit of the Montenegrin Ministry of Defence,” stated the French General Directorate of Armaments (DGA). “The technical arrangement falls within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement for cooperation in defense matters.”
The OPV 60M is part of a proven lineage of vessels, with similar models already in service with the Senegal Navy. The Senegalese fleet includes the OPV 58 S-class, which shares dimensions with the OPV 60M and is equipped for a variety of military operations, highlighting the continued growth and capability of Kership’s maritime offerings.
This contract not only marks a key development in Montenegro’s naval modernization but also reinforces France’s commitment to support its allies in enhancing regional security and defense capabilities.
