State-owned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard has recently conducted the delivery ceremony for the 'Salahah' patrol vessel, a new craft for the United Arab Emirates Navy.
Her sister ship, the 'Ghantut', was delivered last January together with an Abu Dhabi-class corvette.
The two patrol vessels – whose names come from an area of the Emirates near Abu Dhabi – were ordered in 2010 within the "Falaj 2" program.
The contract provides for an option for a further two vessels in addition to technology transfer to a local shipyard for the construction of further sister ships.
The patrol vessels 'Ghantut' and 'Salahah' measure 55 metres in length, with 8.6 metre beams, and are capable of reaching over 20 knots. Able to accommodate a crew of 28 to a high standard, the main feature of these vessels is their particular geometry, which will make them difficult to trace by radar (stealth).
Further features are their high capacity and flexibility in carrying out different mission profiles, including: patrolling and observing, self defense from both air and surface threats, and attack capabilities against both naval and land targets in national and international operations.
As further proof of the strategic importance of the Middle East market and of a "strong, successful partnership with the Emirates", Fincantieri has established Etihad Ship Building – a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East. The new company operates in the design, construction and sale of different types of civilian and military vessels, as well as carrying out maintenance and refitting.
