MTG Dolphin offers OPV 90 patrol ship for the Hellenic Coast Guard

During the Euronaval 2026 exhibition, Bulgarian shipyard MTG Dolphin told specialist publication Naval News that it had offered the OPV 90 design for the Hellenic Coast Guard’s forthcoming programme. Flank had found no independent confirmation that the proposal had been submitted at the time of publication.

Two ships with an option for two more

According to Naval News, the Hellenic Coast Guard is preparing a procurement process for two armed patrol ships, with an option for two more. The process is expected to open by the end of 2026, with the first pair to be delivered within 36 months of a contract being signed.

The publication gives an estimated value of €246.4 million for the first two ships and around €492.8 million if the option is exercised. These are programme values, not the price of MTG Dolphin’s proposal. Submitting a design also does not mean that a contractor has been selected or that a construction contract has been awarded.

Flight deck and hangar for a helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles

Naval News describes OPV 90 as a design based on the K-90 corvette. Separately, the publication lists requirements for the future Greek patrol ships: a length of more than 80 metres, a flight deck and an enclosed hangar for one helicopter and two vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles. These requirements should not be taken as the final configuration of the Bulgarian proposal.

A ship operating with a helicopter and unmanned aerial vehicles would allow surveillance beyond the immediate range of its onboard systems. However, being derived from a corvette design does not in itself mean that the proposal retains the corvette’s armament or combat capabilities.

Construction in Varna, fitting out in Skaramangas

According to Naval News, the proposed arrangement envisages the ships being built in Varna and fitted out at the Skaramangas shipyards in Greece. If the design is selected, this would create an opportunity for Bulgarian shipbuilding exports and cooperation with a Greek production base. However, the value of the entire programme cannot be equated with revenue for the Bulgarian shipyard.

The formal status of the proposal and the terms of the future procurement process remain key. Flank has found no official confirmation from MTG Dolphin or the Greek contracting authority, nor any primary document setting out the budget and terms. Further information may be added as the story develops.