NVL Egypt has begun production of ten PV43-M patrol vessels for the Egyptian Navy following the establishment of the Naval Vessels Lurssen (NVL) subsidiary. The company said production began in September as per schedule after NVL Egypt was selected by Egypt as the main contractor of the PV43-M programme in 2023.

In 2022, NVL Egypt was founded as a Joint Venture between NVL, Abou Quir and Magnom Industries. The company supports  the customers in Egypt in building and maintaining its national shipbuilding strategy and strives to be a pioneer of innovative solutions while ensuring high quality and affordability.  NVL Egypt operates from offices in Alexandria and Cairo.

The PV43 is a 43 metre long offshore patrol vessel displacing 270 tons. Models have been showcased in different configurations, including with 12.7 and 30 mm guns, and anti-ship missiles. NVL Egypt said the PV43-M is designed for maritime surveillance and response duties as well as the protection of maritime key assets. With its capabilities it is capable of self-defence, anti-surface warfare as well as joint operations in support of maritime enforcement activities.

“This programme represents a strategic milestone in strengthening Egypt’s naval forces, as ten state-of-the-art naval vessels will be built entirely in Egypt, in cooperation with Alexandria Shipyard and with technical support from the German parent company NVL,” the company said.

“The vessels will be equipped with advanced weapon systems in cooperation with leading European defence companies, enhancing their combat readiness and aligning them to the latest global standards. At the same time, the programme will significantly contribute to the development of Egypt’s national naval industry, through the transfer of technology and the localization of expertise.”

NVL said other new international-level projects are currently under development in collaboration with the Egyptian Navy, “opening the door to wider global partnerships and further establishing Egypt as a regional and international hub for the naval and defence industry.”

“We are proud of the trust placed in NVL Egypt by the Egyptian Government and the Egyptian Navy to deliver this important national project. In support of the Navy our role is planned to go beyond shipbuilding - it can extend to ensuring long-term readiness and sustainability through the development of maintenance services, spare parts, training, and technical support. This programme will strengthen Egypt’s naval industry and pave the way for new international projects in close cooperation with the Egyptian Navy,” said Tim Wagner, CEO of NVL.

The PV43-M is based on the Croatian OOB-31, which is armed with a 30 mm cannon, two manually controlled 12.7 mm machineguns, and surface-to-air missiles. The ship has 16 crew and an endurance of ten days. Top speed is over 28 knots thanks to two engines each delivering 2 525 kW (economical cruising speed is 15 knots).

In November last year, the Egyptian Navy chose Safran to equip its ten new offshore patrol vessels with optronic and navigation systems. NVL Egypt selected Safran’s VIGY 4 optronic sights and Argonyx inertial navigation systems for the vessels.

Egypt has received multiple vessels from Lurssen, including coastal patrol craft – five years ago it received nine 40 metre patrol boats and a single 60 metre coastal defence boat under a 130 million euro deal after the contract with the original customer, Saudi Arabia, fell through.

Egypt has advanced several projects in collaboration with NVL, such as the CC-60 Compact Combatant. The CC-60, introduced at the EDEX 2021 exhibition, is a 60 metre vessel fitted with 3D radar, electronic warfare measures, and a broad suite of weaponry such as a 76 mm gun, remote-controlled weapon stations, anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-air missile launchers. The CC-60 also offers anti-submarine warfare capabilities and can accommodate both UAVs and light helicopters.

NVL Egypt is an associated company of NVL. NVL is an independent, privately owned group of northern German shipyards and related companies, formerly known as Lürssen Defence. The group is headquartered in Bremen, Germany, and has a strong heritage. Together, the shipyards of NVL have completed more than 1,000 naval and coastguard vessels since their beginnings in the late 1870s, and have built and repaired ships for both the German Navy and fleets in over 50 countries.

In addition to designing and manufacturing naval vessels and coastguard vessels, NVL provides extensive lifetime support through NVL Services.