Navantia has launched a fourth maritime action ship (BAM), the Tornado P-44, to further strengthen the Spanish Navy’s capabilities.

The launch follows the order placed by the Spanish Navy with Navantia in July 2006 for the construction of four BAMs.

The 93.9m-long ship, with a displacement capacity of 2.575t, can cruise at a speed of 20.5kt and accommodate a crew of 35.

The ship has been designed to carry out missions including maritime rescue and salvage operations, protection and escort of other ships, control and neutralisation of terrorist actions and piracy, as well as crisis situation support and humanitarian assistance.

The vessel is expected to be delivered by mid 2012.