Written by D-Mitch
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| HCG Arkoi (050) |
The sole Europatrol 250 Mk1 offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Arkoi of the Hellenic Coast Guard (HCG) was ordered in 1993 and delivered in November 1994, initially serving the Financial and Economic Crime Unit (SDOE) as A/L 50. In 2002, the vessel was transferred to the HCG and renamed HCG 050 Arkoi. The boat experienced severe technical problems due to the SDOE's inability to fully utilize and maintain it, resulting in long periods of immobility and limited use. Similarly, in HGC service, Arkoi was quickly immobilized and remained out of service for about ten years, mainly due to the difficulties in repairing the main engines and reducers. In 2014-15, the Greek shipowners Panos and Thanasis Laskaridis, oversaw the complete repair, maintenance, and reactivation of the Arkoi. The refurbishment was completed in December 2015, arriving at a critical time as the 300-ton patrol ship had been laid up for ten years. It was intended to operate primarily in the Eastern Aegean, where the HCG faced significant pressures from refugee and migrant flows.