Portugal sells four patrol vessels to the Dominican Republic

Portugal and the Dominican Republic signed a contract to sell four Coastal Patrol Vessels belonging to the "Tejo" class – the Portuguese Republic Vessels (NRP) Tejo, Douro, Mondego, and Guadiana to the Central American country’s Navy.

The four vessels were sold for 24 million euros (6 million per vessel) and can be complemented with additional systems and equipment options up to an overall ceiling of 24.37 million euros depending on the Dominican Republic’s choices.

The contract includes a programme for the transfer of capabilities, including maintenance and upgrading, supplying ammunitions and spares, technical documentation, training for crews and management teams to ensure the vessels are fully operational for the Dominican Navy. 

Delivery will be phased with the first one delivered up to 12 months following completion of the logistics stage, with the remaining unites delivered within maximum timeframes of 20, 30 and 40 months, respectively. The vessels will be delivered in Portugal and the Dominican Republic is responsible for the transit to their destination.

This transfer boosts the Dominican Republic’s maritime and security patrol capabilities and allows Portugal to bring value to war material that was no longer required by the Armed Forces. 

The "Tejo" class vessels were operated by the Navy as of 2016 and are fitted for maritime patrol and surveillance missions, controlling waters under national jurisdiction and search and rescue and maritime security operations.

They are 48 metres long, 345 tonnes and are manned by 24 officers, sergeants and petty officers.

The ceremony was held in Porto on 20 February and was presided over by the Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo and the Minister of Defence of the Dominican Republic, Lieutenant-General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre.