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Post by ferryfast admin on Mar 19, 2008 17:03:39 GMT -5
$313 million for six new Coast Guard ships
Joel Julien jjulien@trinidadexpress.com www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161295967
Wednesday, March 19th 2008 NATIONAL Security Minister Martin Joseph yesterday revealed that the six fast patrol vessels, which are expected to assist in securing the country's coastline and the eradication of the drug trade, will cost just under $313 million.
Responding to a question in the Senate, Joseph said an additional figure of over $78 million was also included to the cost for a five-year maintenance of the vessels and training for Coast Guard personnel.
Joseph said the three contracts to Australian firm, Austal Ships PTY, would cost a total of $390.76 million.
In the meantime, two interim patrol vessels are said to have been acquired and are being outfitted for military use at a local marine service company.
In response to a supplemental question by Senator Wade Mark, Joseph revealed that Captain Inniss, of the United States Navy, who was involved in the acquisition of the OPVs, was the independent procurement consultant in the purchase of the fast patrol boats.
The consultant was among several experienced senior officials that formed an evaluation committee, which sifted through final proposals submitted by seven manufacturers.
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