“Damen Shipyards” and Minister of Defense sign Contract on Offshore Patrol Vessels

TIRANA, Nov.13- CEO of the Dutch Company “Damen Shipyards” Ren顂erkvens and the Minister of Defense of Albania Fatmir Mediu, witnessed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sweder van Voorst tot Voorst, signed the contract for the delivery of 4 marine patrol vessels for the Albanian Coastguard. The total value of the contract amounts to 31 million Euro, of which 11 million euro will be a subsidy by the Dutch Government in the framework of ORET Program. The Dutch ORET program assists developing countries in need of foreign goods and services by providing special Dutch grant facilities. The first marine patrol vessel will be constructed in the Netherlands, while the other 3 vessels will be constructed in Albania, at the Pashailman shipyard in Vlora which will be refurbished in the framework of this project. Apart from the military function, these marine patrol vessels will perform various civilian functions at the Albanian sea waters. This project and the construction of the marine patrol vessels will assist the Albanian Government to meet NATO requirements.