Argentine Navy Durance class replenishment oiler ARA Patagonia completes maintenance.

According to a tweet published by SA Defensa on August 8, 2023, the Argentine Navy's replenishment vessel, ARA Patagonia, is on the verge of concluding an extensive maintenance overhaul at the renowned Puerto Belgrano Naval Base.
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Durance class replenishment oiler ARA Patagonia. (Picture source: Tandanor Cinar)

The ARA Patagonia (B-1) is a multi-product replenishment oiler of the Durance class that serves in the Argentine Navy. Before being part of the Argentine fleet, this vessel sailed under the French Navy as Durance (A 629) from 1977 to 1999.

In Argentine service, the ship participates in multi-national naval exercises and assists with Antarctic missions from Ushuaia. Notably, in 2017, the Patagonia played a role in search efforts for the missing submarine ARA San Juan.

The ship has a standard displacement of 7,700 tonnes, which extends to 18,200 tonnes at full load. It measures 157.3 meters in length with a beam of 21.2 meters. Depending on its load, the draught varies between 8.65 meters and 10.8 meters.

The ARA Patagonia is powered by two SEMT Pielstick diesel engines, coupled with LIPS controllable pitch propellers, resulting in a power output of 15,000 kilowatts. This allows the ship to reach speeds up to 19 knots, and it has a range of 9,000 nautical miles at 15 knots.

Durance was designed with two landing craft to accommodate both vehicles and personnel. The ship's capacity includes provisions for fuel, distilled water, munitions, and other essential supplies.

The vessel also has a flight deck and hangar, which during its time in the French Navy, housed helicopters such as the Aérospatiale Alouette III and Westland Lynx.

For defense purposes, Durance was fitted with Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft guns and 12.7 mm machine guns. The ship's navigation and monitoring systems include two Racal Decca 1226 radars.

Currently, under the Argentine flag, the crew complement of the ARA Patagonia consists of 164 individuals, which includes 10 officers. Additional accommodations allow for 29 more personnel onboard.