The first of three SIGMA-class frigates for the Royal Moroccan Navy from Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding is undergoing sea trials.
The 105-metre vessel, built by for the Royal Moroccan Navy, left Vlissingen on May 6 for her sea acceptance trials (SAT) in the North Sea.
During the SAT, an extensive programme will be carried out in which the platform as well as the sensor weapons and communications suite will be tested.
The second frigate, of 98 metres in length, is scheduled for sea trials at the end of 2011. The third frigate, also 98 metres, is still under construction at the Damen yard in Vlissingen, to be launched in September this year.
The three SIGMA-class frigates for the Royal Moroccan Navy are a further development of the SIGMA-corvettes for the Indonesian Navy. The SIGMA approach applies modularity in many areas.
The Moroccan SIGMA Class frigates equipped to conduct the traditional naval tasks as well as maritime security operations. The vessels are also suited to support humanitarian aid operations.
