The Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) formally took delivery of the bespoke Type 62 patrol boat Etoile (607) during a ceremony on 17 June. The vessel was donated by the People's Republic of China as part of its efforts to bolster the tiny island nation's maritime security capacity and will considerably improve the SGC's ability to police the country's 1.3 million km 2 exclusive economic zone.
The formal handover took place after seven weeks of pre-commissioning activities in the Seychelles that included minor outfitting and crew training by a team of 18 Chinese naval personnel.Etoile was built by South China Repairs Shipyard in Guangzhou. Its keel was laid in March 2013, the vessel was launched on 24 October 2013, and sea trials were conducted from December 2013. The vessel was then delivered to the Seychelles by cargo ship.
Etoile 's has a cruising speed of 16 kt and a top speed of 26 kt. It is equipped with one 6.5 m, 30 kt rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that has a GPS plotter and depth sounder. The RHIB is launched and recovered by a stern ramp.
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