Uruguay plans new ocean patrol vessel purchase

Uruguay is developing a concrete action plan to acquire a new ocean patrol vessel following the rescission of its contract with the Spanish shipyard Cardama. Government officials, including Presidential Pro-secretary Jorge Díaz, stated that the state was “defrauded” due to a false guarantee provided during the previous agreement.

The rescission is estimated to save the state between US$50 million and US$60 million, while authorities seek to recover US$28 million in previously paid funds. Rather than opening a new international tender, the government intends to pursue a state-to-state purchase model. An official announcement regarding the new vessel is expected in October or November.