The
delivery ceremony of two vessels for the United Arab Emirates Navy was
held today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia). These
were an "Abu Dhabi Class" corvette, launched in February 2011,
and the "Ghantut" patrol vessel, launched at the same yard
in January 2012.
In the presence of Rear Admiral Ibrahim Salem Mohamed Al-Musharrakh,
Head of the UAE Navy, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, Italian Navy Chief
of Staff, who was represented on this occasion by Vice Admiral Alberto
Gauzolino, Logistic Support and Light houses Inspector, Vice Admiral
Andrea Toscano, Commander in Chief Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Department
Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Ernesto Nencioni, Director for Naval Armaments
and Alberto Maestrini, Fincantieri Executive Senior Vice President Naval
Vessels, the ceremony began with the characteristic recitation of the
Qur'an in accordance with the dictates of Islam.
Exemplifying Fincantieri's product excellence, both vessels stand out
for their high level of flexibility in being able to carry out different
types of mission in national and international waters (from patrol and
surveillance, to defence against air and surface threats and attack
against both land and sea targets), as well as for their high standards
of accommodation and safety.
As evidence of the strategic importance of the Middle East market and
the strong and fruitful partnership initiated with the Emirates, Fincantieri
has set up the company Etihad Ship Building in Abu Dhabi as a joint
venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East; the purpose
of the company, which is already operational, is to design, construct
and sell both civilian and military ships, as well as carry out maintenance
and refitting.
In fact, now more than ever, securing foreign orders means ships being
built in local shipyards. It is therefore necessary to be suitably equipped
to ensure that customers obtain quality and rapid delivery.
Fincantieri will be present from 17 to 21 February at the important
"Idex" defence industry exhibition in Abu Dhabi, with an exhibit
on the megayacht sector. |
ABU
DHABI CLASS CORVETTE
The "Abu Dhabi class" project has evolved from the "Cigala
Fulgosi" one, which led to the construction of four "Commandante"
class ships for the Italian Navy. The contract also involves supplying
the UAE Navy with logistical support and crew training. The vessel is
88 metres long with a 12 metre beam, has a full load displacement of
1650 tons, can reach a speed of 25 knots with a range of more than 3000
nautical miles at 14 knots (thanks to 2 diesel engines of 7000 kW each)
and can accommodate a crew of about 70. This technologically advanced
ship will be primarily engaged in patrolling and surveillance activities
and could be used in anti-submarine, anti-air and surface actions. It
will be able to exchange tactical data in real time with other naval
vessels, helicopters and land bases and will provide support and shelter
to UAE Navy helicopters. In addition to highly flexible operational
capabilities, the vessel also features high standards of safety and
accommodation for the comfort of its crew. |
FALAJ
2
The two ships - "Ghantut" delivered today and "Salahah"
the sister ship launched last June, whose names come from an area of
the Emirates near Abu Dhabi - were ordered in 2010 as part of the "Falaj
2" program. Capable of speeds in excess of 20 knots, they are 55
metres long with a beam of 8.80 metres and can accommodate a crew of
29.
Their main feature is their special stealth design making them difficult
to detect by radar. Other features of these ships include their high
level of flexibility in being able to carry out different types of mission
in national and international waters (from patrol and surveillance,
to defence from air and surface threats and attacks against land and
sea targets), as well as their high standards of accommodation and safety.
The contract provides the UAE Navy with an option for another two sister
ships, as well as technology transfer to a local shipyard for possible
construction of the sister vessels. |
