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Alpha-2021 multipurpose vessel

The Ecuadorian state-run shipyard Astinave started building new multipurpose vessel Project Alpha-2021 on 14 November 2019 with a steel-cutting ceremony. The shipbuilding contract was signed by the Ecuadorian Ministry Of Defence on 31 October for the ship, which is meant to be used by the Ecuadorian Navy for logistics operations and transportation of disaster-relief supplies. The vessel will also transport supplies to the Galapagos Islands, the shipyard's representative explained. It would measure 80 meters [260 feet] and transport a crew of 66, according to the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defence. The ship, which was scheduled to be completed by 2021, will cost USD42 million.

On 14 November 2019 the Ecuadorian government ordered a multi purpose patrol and supply vessel of 2,500 tonnes displacement from state-owned yard Astinave. Construction has started and the vessel will be delivered in 30 months time. The final contract worth US$42 million for the vessel called Project Alpha-2021 was signed by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defence on 31 October. The vessel will be used by the Ecuadorian navy for logistics operations and transport of disaster relief supplies. It will have a helicopter landing pad and also the capacity to carry standard shipping containers. The vessel will also transport supplies to the Galapagos Islands. It will measure 80m long and carry a crew of 66.

The main objective of the project is to extend the stay of Navy ships on the high seas, collaborate with air-maritime exploration operations, participate in search and rescue missions, humanitarian aid operations, missions to support the civilian population in cases of natural disaster, improve the control of the territorial sea, among others.

For the Defense Minister, this project initiates a plan to reorient the Ecuadorian economy towards the sea and added that "Astinave accepts the challenge of building the largest ship that our naval shipyard has ever had", a public company that has faced with Successful repowering of three missile corvettes with the addition of having integrated the Orion combat system, of local development.