New Stage for the Cuban Fishing Vessel "Golfo de Tonkin"

The ocean patrol ship number 085 belongs to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba, whose marine lines easily reveal its past as a fishing vessel. It is the fourth, as far as we know, that has been transformed for military functions after the three ships that were former fishing factories called “Río Damuji” (now number BHP-391), “Río Jatibónico” (BHP-390), and “Río Los Palacios” (BHP-392).

The ship in question is the former trawler “Golfo de Tonkin,” construction number 78 from Astilleros Construcciones (ASCON), Vigo, and it entered service in 1969. When the Cuban Fishing Fleet –one of the most important state fishing companies in the world– came to an end, our protagonist was renamed “Ulises” and was dedicated to scientific and oceanographic functions. Now, in its new stage, it is part of the Border Guard Troops (TGF) and is responsible for monitoring the coasts and territorial waters of the Caribbean country.

The ship "Golfo de Tonkin" originates from the ACSA 67 project, from which three similar vessels were built: "Janza," "Mar del Cabo," and "Golfo de México," the latter also destined for the Cuban Fishing Fleet and incorporated in 1970.

With a gross tonnage of 1,275 tons, a net tonnage of 535 tons, and a deadweight of 1,321 tons, it measures 72.65 m in overall length –67 m between perpendiculars–, 12 m in beam, 7.29 m in depth, and 4.75 m in draft. In its stage as a fishing vessel, it was powered by a Barreras-Deutz engine of 2,670 horsepower and a speed of 13 knots, which we assume will remain the same. IMO Code 6922432.

Photo: Captain Carlitos