LONDON-based BAE Systems has signed a new contract with Bangkok Dock to assist in the licensed construction of a second 90-metre Offshore Patrol Vessel for the Royal Thai Navy.

Under the agreement, BAE Systems will provide engineering support and advice during construction of the vessel in Thailand.

"We're looking forward to building and strengthening our relationship with Thailand's shipbuilding industry. This contract to support delivery of a second Offshore Patrol Vessel to the Royal Thai Navy is a clear endorsement of our versatile Offshore Patrol Vessel design," Nigel Stewart, commercial director at BAE Systems' Naval Ships business, said in a statement.

Three of these ships are already in service in Brazil and three more are under construction for the UK Royal Navy.

The company said the Royal Thai Navy accepted its first 90-metre Offshore Patrol Vessel, HTMS Krabi, from Bangkok Dock in 2013. It is a variant of the baseline BAE Systems design. HTMS Krabi has already completed around 1,000 days at sea.

UK firm to help build second patrol vessel - The Nation