NS President Sea Urchin has chosen the Protector (as expected) as the Light Patrol Craft to replace the legacy fleet of ex-UNPSP types. Originally 70 Mariner 56As had been ordered but Sea Urchin requested a look at a ship based on the Pentekonter instead. As per Sea Urchin's decision at least 40 Protector 57As will be built with production starting in months. The aim is to build 8 a year.
Urgency is required as the bulk of the UNPSP legacy fleet is due to retire at the end of the decade though some ships may be able to last a few more years. However even with mass production of Protector NS is likely to be short of patrol ships by 2120.
Sea Urchin has also allowed the formation of a "Light Patrol Contingency Pool". These will be 8 or 9 ships (likely to be Pentekonters or Romes) fitted ready for use as light patrol ships if the need arises (though will also perform other duties). The pool will remain in place until sufficient new ships are in place to cover requirements.
Choosing Protector was no surprise as Sea Urchin has long preferred it however what was a surprise was that around 12 Mariners will also be built too to cover the lightest of patrol duties. However due to capacity issues they won't be built until after 2120.
Urgency is required as the bulk of the UNPSP legacy fleet is due to retire at the end of the decade though some ships may be able to last a few more years. However even with mass production of Protector NS is likely to be short of patrol ships by 2120.
Sea Urchin has also allowed the formation of a "Light Patrol Contingency Pool". These will be 8 or 9 ships (likely to be Pentekonters or Romes) fitted ready for use as light patrol ships if the need arises (though will also perform other duties). The pool will remain in place until sufficient new ships are in place to cover requirements.
Choosing Protector was no surprise as Sea Urchin has long preferred it however what was a surprise was that around 12 Mariners will also be built too to cover the lightest of patrol duties. However due to capacity issues they won't be built until after 2120.
