Colombia’s state-owned shipbuilder COTECMAR has delivered a newly built Ocean Patrol Vessel to the Colombian Navy under a national shipbuilding program launched in 2016. The handover of the vessel, named ARC 24 de Julio, marks a major milestone for the country’s defense industry as it represents the largest and most technologically complex warship ever designed and constructed entirely in Colombia.
Construction of the ARC 24 de Julio began in March 2023 and was completed in less than two years, requiring more than 1,070 tons of steel. The vessel was launched in July 2025 and subsequently underwent field evaluations and final outfitting over a six-month period before being formally delivered to the navy. The project also generated significant industrial and economic benefits, supporting more than 1,100 direct jobs and over 2,200 additional positions across a supply chain involving 343 companies.
Measuring 93 meters in length with a beam of 14 meters, the ocean patrol vessel features a flight deck capable of supporting medium maritime helicopters. The ship is designed to conduct long-endurance patrols, maritime surveillance, interdiction operations, and search and rescue missions across Colombia’s maritime areas of responsibility, including both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
While COTECMAR has not disclosed propulsion and performance details, the ARC 24 de Julio will play a key role in Colombia’s “PF2030” naval modernization plan once operational. The broader initiative includes the domestic construction of Sigma-class frigates in partnership with Dutch shipbuilder Damen, with the lead frigate expected to be delivered by 2030.
