Fincantieri has launched the Qatari Emiri Navy’s first offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Musherib at the Muggiano (La Spezia) yard.
The ceremony was attended by Qatari and Italian ministers, along with other dignitaries.
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The launch follows the steel cutting of the fourth vessel, Sumaysimah, as part of Qatari’s naval acquisition programme.
Designed to comply with the RINAMIL for Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) rules, Musherib will be able to perform a range of tasks, from surveillance to acting as a fighting vessel.
The 63m-long, 9.2m-wide vessel can achieve maximum speeds of 30k and accommodate 38 crew members.
It features a propulsion system that contains four variable pitch propellers, two to starboard and two to the left, which are in line with a diesel propulsion engine.
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By GlobalDataAccording to the shipbuilder, the patrol vessel will also be able to operate a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) through a crane situated at the stern.
It is scheduled to be delivered in 2022.
In June 2016, Fincantieri won a €4bn contract with the Qatari Ministry of Defence to build seven new generation surface vessels.
The contract involves the construction of four corvettes, one amphibious vessel (landing platform dock), and two OPVs.
It also includes the provision of support services in Qatar for a ten-year period after the delivery of the vessels.
All units will be constructed at the Italian shipyards of the group.
In January, Fincantieri and the Qatari Ministry of Defence, through Barzan Holding, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Doha to jointly study naval technology.
