By: Alieu Ceesay
The Gambia Navy, under the Gambia Armed Forces, has received a major enhancement to its operational capabilities with the official handover of two state-of-the-art rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) and forensic equipment. The donation, valued at approximately €500,000 (€250,000 per boat), falls under the European Union-supported Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security (SWAIMS) project, which aims to strengthen regional maritime safety and counter transnational threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
The vessels, named ‘Shark’ and ‘Delphine’, represent a significant milestone for the Navy’s fleet. They are designed to improve efficiency in coastal patrols dramatically, rapid interception of suspicious vessels, search and rescue missions, and enforcement of national and international maritime laws across Gambian waters and the Exclusive Economic Zone.
Commander Fara Jobe, Commanding Officer of the Gambia Navy, emphasized the boats’ critical role. “They are the backbone of maritime interdiction,” he stated. “Their stability and speed allow armed personnel to approach safely, even in challenging sea conditions, enabling rapid deployment of boarding teams onto suspicious merchant vessels, pirated or hijacked ships, or non-compliant targets.”
In an era of asymmetric threats and contested coastal zones, these RHIBs embody modern naval priorities: speed, flexibility, and robust presence. “They are not just useful—they are essential,” Commander Jobe added.
Capacity building accompanied the equipment delivery. Sixteen naval personnel completed an intensive two-week training program on safe maneuvering, handling, and routine maintenance, ensuring long-term, sustainable use of the assets. Additional hands-on training with Portuguese Navy experts has further familiarized engineers, boat handlers, and boarding officers with the vessels’ features.
Captain Rui Pedro Sylva Filipe, SWAIMS Project Manager, detailed the boats’ impressive specifications: each measures 9 meters in length, with a 3-meter beam, is powered by twin 300-horsepower engines (plus a spare), and can carry up to 16 personnel. With a top speed of 44 knots (about 81 km/h), a full tank of 850 liters provides a range of 200 nautical miles at maximum speed or 400 nautical miles at cruising speed (around 25 knots or 46 km/h). They can withstand winds up to Force 8 (roughly 74 km/h) and waves up to 4 meters high—sufficient to reach destinations like Cape Verde (approximately 400 nautical miles from Banjul) or Conakry (300 nautical miles).
Immaculada Roca, representing the European Union, highlighted the broader impact of the donation. “Maritime trafficking of drugs, arms, and people poses risks not only to The Gambia but to the entire region,” she said. “The Gulf of Guinea has been one of the world’s hotspots for maritime criminality, with enormous economic and human costs. These boats will help tackle illegal activities, including drug trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.”
Major General Ousman Gomez, Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces, expressed gratitude to the donors and pledged to use the assets judiciously.
Babucarr Jobe, Minister of Defence, underscored the strategic importance: “The maritime domain remains a critical pillar of national and regional security. For The Gambia—a nation defined by its riverine and coastal geography—maritime security is inseparable from sovereignty, economic resilience, environmental protection, and the sustainable development of the blue economy.”
The handover underscores collective responsibility in addressing evolving threats, reinforcing resilience across West Africa through international partnership.
