The Royal Moroccan Navy has taken delivery of 'Sultan Moulay Ismail', a second SIGMA-class frigate built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), after the vessel completed successful sea trials and the finishing of outfitting details.
The ship was delivered on schedule and meeting all contract requirements. The delivery of the second of three frigates was achieved within four years from the effective date of contract. The first frigate 'Tarik Ben Zayid' was commissioned on 10 September 2011, and construction of the third vessel is well underway.
After commissioning, the crew will continue with another three weeks of Sail Safety Training in Den Helder and North Sea. This training will be conducted by training teams of the Royal Netherlands Navy. At the beginning of April, after conclusion of this training period, 'Sultan Moulay Ismail' will start her maiden voyage to Morocco.
The three SIGMA-class frigates for the RMN are a further development of the SIGMA-corvettes for the Indonesian Navy. The SIGMA approach applies modularity in many areas. The frigates are equipped to conduct the traditional naval tasks as well as maritime security operations. The vessels are also suited to support humanitarian aid operations.
