The Mexican Navy along with Damen Shipyards will build the Long Range Ocean Patrol (POLA), which will be the most technologically advanced vessel in Latin America. POLA will be 107 metres in length, while it will be able to sail at speeds of up to 25 knots and a capacity of more than 20 days at sea.
As Damen said the vessel will carry out various missions such as safeguarding Mexican sovereignty, international security cooperation, long range search and rescue operations and humanitarian aid. POLA will also enable the Mexican state to increase its surveillance coverage and the protection of Mexican maritime interests beyond the Exclusive Economic Zone.
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The construction of the ship takes place at a yard in Mexico. The first of the modules has already arrived in Mexico, where it is being put together by Mexican personnel. The hull is already complete in drydock, while it will now receive the other three superstructure modules.
The flagging ceremony of the POLA is planned for November 2018. After this, a full integrated process of setting to work, commissioning, training, tests and trials will continue in 2019.
