“Navantia Unveils Cutting-Edge Patrol Vessel Tailored for Morocco”
The Spanish shipyard located in San Fernando, Cadiz, has recently marked the official introduction of a new Avante 1800+ class patrol vessel, tailored by the Spanish company Navantia for the Royal Moroccan Navy. This occasion signifies the conclusion of an almost three-year endeavor, which initiated with the signing of an agreement in September 2022, bolstered by a €95 million financing from Banco Santander contributing to the total ship cost of €130 million.
The newly inaugurated vessel, recognized as construction number 565 at the Navantia San Fernando site, spans 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width, accommodating a crew of 60. Its assembly took nearly two years, necessitating an investment of one million work hours and generating about 1,100 job opportunities, inclusive of direct, indirect, and related employment.
The contract between Navantia and the Royal Moroccan Navy also includes exhaustive technical and logistical assistance, alongside specialized technical instruction for Moroccan personnel in Spain. This provision extends to include spare components, technical manuals, and essential tools required for the ship’s operation and upkeep.
The launch ceremony was a momentous event, attended by notable individuals from the business and governmental realms, along with representatives from the military branches of both Morocco and Spain. Key attendees comprised the mayors of San Fernando and Puerto Real, regional delegates from Cadiz, high-ranking naval officers from both nations, and senior executives from Navantia.
This event emphasized the robust and lasting naval alliance between Spain and Morocco, characterized by ongoing collaboration and shared technical knowledge.
During the ceremony, Alberto Cervantes from Navantia honored the late José Antonio Rodríguez Poch, who previously led the Moroccan initiative and sadly passed away a year ago. Cervantes highlighted that this ship exemplifies the expertise of their teams and the sustained positive relationship rooted in high standards and mutual respect.
Captain Mohammed El Fadili of the Royal Moroccan Navy accentuated the strategic significance of this acquisition, stating that the vessel signifies the profound friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Spain, as well as their respective naval forces and Navantia. He further linked this purchase to Morocco’s military strategy, reiterating King Mohammed VI’s dedication to cultivating a capable and adaptable navy to tackle modern maritime security challenges.
Ricardo Domínguez García-Baquero, President of Navantia, praised the commitment of all parties involved in the vessel’s development, regarding it as clear evidence of the strong and enduring collaboration between two nations united by a common maritime future. This partnership stands as another testament to the favorable relationship between Morocco and Spain, who are pivotal political and military allies working cooperatively across the Mediterranean to enhance regional stability and progress.
The Avante 1800+ patrol craft is characterized as a versatile and economical corvette, engineered for a variety of missions including air, surface, and electronic warfare, as well as surveillance within Exclusive Economic Zones. Its design incorporates stealth capabilities, an extensive operational range, and sophisticated sensors, merging operational adaptability with Navantia’s extensive expertise in frigate design. Specifically tailored to optimize performance in both coastal and offshore operations, the Avante 1800+ strikes a balance between its compact dimensions and cutting-edge combat efficiency. Its stealth technology reduces its radar visibility, and its architecture facilitates the seamless integration of modern systems. This makes it an ideal selection for navies in pursuit of a multi-functional and efficient vessel. Its capacity to operate with smaller crews while maintaining high readiness positions it as a strategic asset for evolving defense scenarios, according to the Spanish shipbuilder.
