The Royal Moroccan Navy has contracted French firm Piriou to deliver a 50m long landing craft tank (LCT), which will be used for operations in the Moroccan coastal waters.
The new LCT was designed by Piriou Ingenierie and is based on a proven civilian version, which the company had already built in several units.
Under the contract, the French firm will also provide training in Concarneau for the first crew to help them get familiarised with both vessel operation and maintenance.
Piriou Group CEO Pascal Piriou said: "This first contract with the Royal Moroccan Navy is not only a great honour but also the confirmation of our breakthrough in the field of defence and state action at sea.
"It is especially a first step in Morocco, a country where our expertise and our civilian and military products will find, I hope, opportunities."
Construction work on the new LCT will be carried out in France with delivery expected to take place in mid-2016.
Fitted with two handling cranes, the LCT features a bow ramp allowing loading or unloading on beach or on dock. It is intended for the transportation of vehicles, various cargos, as well as for the supply of water and fuel.
The LCT is equipped with a reverse osmosis system and flexible tanks on deck to produce and to store fresh water. Powered by two 492kW propulsion and two 150kVA Gensets, the craft tank can accommodate a crew of 22 people and cruise at a speed of 10k.
Image: The Royal Moroccan Navy’s new 50m LCT was designed by Piriou Ingenierie. Photo: courtesy of Piriou.
