Fincantieri,
one of the world’s most important shipbuilding groups, and the
Qatari Ministry of Defence, have signed last week in Rome a contract
for the construction of seven new generation units included in the national
naval acquisition programme. |
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The
signing took place between the Commander of Qatar Emiri Naval Forces,
Staff Major General Mohammed Nasser Al Mohannadi and the CEO of Fincantieri,
Giuseppe Bono, in the presence of the Ministers of Defence of the two
countries, Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah and Roberta Pinotti.
The contract, amounting for Fincantieri to approx. 4 billion euros,
envisages the supply of seven surface vessels, of which four corvettes
of over 100 meters in length, one amphibious vessel (LPD - Landing Platform
Dock), and two patrol vessels (OPV - Offshore Patrol Vessel) as well
as support services in Qatar for further 15 years after the delivery
of the vessels. All the units will be entirely built in Fincantieri
Italian shipyards starting from 2018, ensuring 6 years of work and an
important impact on the main Italian defense companies.
Fincantieri has prevailed over other naval shipbuilders thanks to a
project recognized as the most advanced and innovative of all. This
was also achieved based on the experience gained by Fincantieri in the
construction of high-tech vessels for some of the most prestigious foreign
navies.
Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri, stated: “This is a day
to remember for Fincantieri, because winning the global competition
for such a programme was far from easy. We have achieved a remarkable
result, which allows the company to become a world leader also in the
defense sector, as in cruise and offshore. With this contract Fincantieri
creates a true partnership with the Qatar Emiri Naval Forces, which
now position themselves as technologically advanced. The backlog increase
will guarantee work for another ten years at least, ensuring continuity
to the activities in the shipyards, creating the conditions to contribute
to the country’s growth and increase the value for the shareholders.”
Bono concluded: “We achieved this goal thanks to the support of
the “Italian System”, finally responding to the great ambitions
of the major national companies, and to the key role played in this
deal by our Government and our Navy, that supported us actively until
the final closing of the agreement”.
Leonardo will be responsible for the integrated supply of the new
naval units’ combat system, main radars and on-board sensors and
defence sub-systems, including 76/62 medium calibre and 30mm small calibre
weapon systems, the anti-torpedo protection system, the Thesan mine
avoidance sonar and, in cooperation with MBDA, the missile system. The
supply also includes long-term, integrated logistics support activities.
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