Spain's Navantia signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on October 1 with Croatia’s AITAC and Iskra Shipyard in Šibenik, exploring possible collaboration on the Croatian Navy’s multi-role corvette (MRC) programme in engineering, vessel construction and support throughout the vessels’ lifecycle.
Navantia said the MOUs set out a basis for local industrial participation but did not constitute a corvette contract award.
The parties may explore exchanges of programme information, engineering data and technical documents, alongside work on vessel design, production engineering, digital engineering and integrated logistics support (ILS).
Potential activities also cover future maintenance and support for the vessels during service.
Navantia remarked that AITAC, a Croatian firm specialising in engineering and digital solutions, could assist with vessel design and engineering work, as well as outfitting, installation, setting-to-work, testing and ILS.
Meanwhile, Iskra Shipyard could contribute its shipbuilding and repair capabilities to vessel construction and production, integration and outfitting, commissioning, installation and testing.
Iskra Shipyard chief executive Roko Vuletić said the company intended to work with the selected bidder and other Croatian partners, following its recent acquisition of 3. Maj Shipyard in Rijeka.
Navantia previously offered its Avante 2200/Alfa 3000 design for the programme.
The company said its March proposal comprised two corvettes, an ILS package and spare parts, plus training for crew and maintenance personnel, simulators and support from the Spanish Navy.
Navantia also signed letters of intent with Uljanik Brodogradnja and Nortes Blue in March.
Italian competitor Fincantieri signed separate MOUs with Brodotrogir Cruise and Iskra Shipyard in July in support of its own MRC proposal.
Iskra Shipyard also signed a teaming agreement with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to explore joint work in upcoming Croatian Navy projects, among them the planned corvettes.
