Seven VIKING Norsafe Magnar 1950 boats to be built completely in Greece, with an option for seven more.
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has finalized a €23.8 million deal through its Greek branch, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment Hellas, to deliver seven new high-speed patrol boats to the Hellenic Coast Guard. The agreement was signed by Vassilis Kikilias, Greece's Minister of Maritime Affairs, during a ceremony in Athens that included Coast Guard officials and VIKING representatives.
The seven boats will be of the VIKING Norsafe Magnar 1950 model and will be constructed entirely in Greece, which is one of the five countries where VIKING has production facilities. Each boat is 21.29 meters long, can reach speeds of at least 50 knots, and has a range of over 320 nautical miles. They will operate with a six-person crew and can carry at least 30 people, with advanced navigation and communication systems included.
Once operational, these boats will assist the Coast Guard with essential tasks such as monitoring Greek waters, guarding the country's maritime borders, managing fisheries, and conducting search and rescue operations. The contract also allows for up to seven additional boats of the same type. Deliveries will start within six to twelve months, with the boats being handed over one at a time.
During the signing, Minister Kikilias referred to this acquisition as a vital step in supporting Coast Guard personnel. He emphasized that the aim is “to make their job easier in tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
“We are grateful for the confidence shown in VIKING by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Hellenic Coast Guard. This contract enhances our long history of boatbuilding and showcases the skills of our team in Greece. Building these boats locally demonstrates our commitment to Greek shipbuilding and to those who protect lives at sea every day,” said John Georgiadis, Tenders & Projects Director at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
“This contract is important for both our Defence & Professional business and for VIKING as a whole. It expands the variety of boats we provide to the Coast Guard, and we are proud to have gained their trust,” added Heidi Bjerge Nüsser, VP Defence Wind & Aviation at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
The acquisition is funded by the Public Investment Programme through the co-financed program “Fisheries, Aquaculture and Sea 2021–2027.”