KERSHIP Launches Construction of OPV 60M for the Montenegrin Navy

KERSHIP launched the construction of the first of two OPV 60M offshore patrol vessels for the Montenegrin Navy at its Lorient shipyard on April 24 in the presence of Mr. Dragan Krapovic, Minister of Defense of Montenegro, Ms. Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France to Montenegro, and numerous French and Montenegrin civilian and military personalities.

This event marks a step in strengthening Montenegro's strategic capabilities, a crucial issue for the country as it faces new security challenges. This project also demonstrates the strength of the cooperation between France and Montenegro, within the framework of the defense agreement signed in April 2024, and benefits from the support by the French defense procurement agency (Direction Générale de l'Armement) and BPI France. It is also in line with the support provided by the European Union, as demonstrated by the adoption by the EU Council on February 28, 2025 of the first assistance measure for Montenegro's armed forces under the European Peace Facility (EPF).

Minister Krapovic proceeded with the symbolic welding of the first two blocks, a gesture that seals the cooperation between the two countries. He also unveiled the names of the ships: PETAR I and PETAR II, in homage to sovereign of Montenegro.