“Navantia’s NB 546 AL JUBAIL Embarks on Exciting Sea Trial Adventures”
The vessel NB 546 AL-JUBAIL, the inaugural unit of five corvettes that Navantia constructs for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), has commenced its maritime evaluations in the waters of the Bay of Cádiz to verify the seamless operation of all its systems.
Maritime evaluations are conducted prior to handover to the client to ensure the performance of both the vessel and its various systems and to assess their adherence to the specifications detailed in the agreement with the client.
The evaluations span a total of two months, divided into two distinct phases. The current evaluation phase will last approximately two weeks. Around 140 individuals are involved, including approximately 40 engineers from diverse specializations.
The evaluations are supported by Navantia, partner industries, Lloyds Register of Shipping, and leading equipment supplier firms. Furthermore, the RSNF and representatives from the Spanish Navy participate on behalf of the client.
Upon the conclusion of this phase, AL-JUBAIL will have its combat system installed prior to the vessel’s delivery. Launched in July 2020, the handover to the end client is anticipated to happen within five months.
Al Jubail represents the first of five corvettes being developed by Navantia within the Avante 2200 program. It features a length of 104 meters, a beam of 14 meters, and is designed to accommodate a maximum of 102 individuals, inclusive of crew and passengers.
The corvette’s design embodies state-of-the-art technology, maximizing Navantia’s involvement by integrating its proprietary products, such as the CATIZ Combat System, the HERMESYS Integrated Communications System, the DORNA Firing Direction System, the Integrated Platform Control System, and the MINERVA Integrated Bridge, alongside other equipment developed by Navantia under license, including MTU Engines and RENK Reduction Gearboxes.
This agreement, which became effective in November 2018, reinforces the immediate future of Navantia and benefits all the shipyards within the company and its ancillary industries, particularly throughout the Bay of Cádiz.
Specifically, it translates to a total workload of approximately seven million hours, equating to 6,000 jobs over five years. Among these, over 1,100 will be employed by Navantia; more than 1,800 will be staff from collaborating firms, and over 3,000 will be indirect employees generated by additional suppliers. There will be more than 100 companies involved in this initiative.
This program, with the final vessel scheduled for delivery in 2024, encompasses not only construction but also Life Cycle Support for a duration of five years from the first vessel’s handover, with an option to extend for an additional five years.
Additionally, the contract encompasses the provision of various services, including Integrated Logistic Support, Operational and Maintenance Training, establishment of Training and Education Centers for the Combat System and Platform Control System of the vessels, the aforementioned Life Cycle Support, and maintenance systems for the vessels stationed at the Jeddah Naval Base. Crew training is already being conducted at the newly launched Navantia Training Centre (NTC).
