: Sep 21, 2020 -
: 3:20 pm
Fincantieri has launched the Qatari Emiri Navy’s first offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Musherib at the Muggiano (La Spezia) yard.
The “Musherib” OPV vessel, to be delivered in 2022 and whose design is consistent with the RINAMIL for Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) rules, will be a flexible type of ship capable of performing several services, from surveillance to combat functions.
It is about 63 meters long, 9.2 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 30 knots and it will accommodate as many as 38 of crew members. The propulsion system has four variable pitch propellers, two to starboard and two to the left, each in line with a diesel propulsion engine.
Furthermore, the vessel will be capable of operating a RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) through a crane located at the stern.
The contract, worth nearly 4 billion euros, envisages the supply of seven surface vessels, including four corvettes, one amphibious vessel (LPD – Landing Platform Dock), and two patrol vessels (OPV – Offshore Patrol Vessel) as well as support services in Qatar for further 10 years after the delivery of the vessels.
All the units are entirely built in the Group’s Italian shipyards, ensuring continuity to the activities until 2024 as well as guaranteeing an important impact on the main Italian defence companies.
The technical launch was made in the presence of the Italian Minister of Defence Lorenzo Guerini and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Qatar Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah, Chief of Staff of the Qatari Emiri Navy Maj. Gen. Abdulla Hassan Al Suleiti, and the Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. Chairman and CEO of Fincantieri, Giampiero Massolo and Giuseppe Bono were also present.
The launch, held privately and in full compliance with the current health regulations, followed the first steel cutting of the vessel “Sumaysimah”, fourth corvette of the same program.
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