The Royal Moroccan Navy’s high-tech frigate Tarik Ben Ziyad has returned to the Damen Shipyards Group for its first routine dry-docking after three years of operation.
The SIGMA multi-mission frigate 10513 – built at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) in the Netherlands – arrived at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France on 24 October for a maintenance programme of approximately 30 days.
André Hollander, General Affairs Officer at Damen Shiprepair Brest, said:
As the Original Equipment Manufacturer, we’re very proud to welcome back the Royal Moroccan Navy to Damen for Tarik Ben Ziyad’s first scheduled docking outside the warranty period.
The Captain told us that the Royal Moroccan Navy has had more days at sea over the last three years than planned with this multi-mission frigate. The Navy has been absolutely satisfied with the performance of the state-of-the art vessel, doing exactly what it was designed and built for.
Tarik Ben Ziyad is the first of three SIGMA-class frigates that DSNS has built for the Royal Moroccan Navy. The frigates are equipped to conduct traditional naval tasks and maritime security operations as well as support humanitarian aid operations.
John van Maastricht, Tender Manager Offshore/Naval & Conversion at Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, said:
This scheduled dry-docking is also a valuable opportunity to gain operational feedback on Damen’s high-tech naval products.
We use that experience to develop new innovations for the SIGMA-class series.
Damen’s SIGMA Naval Combatants concept is entirely flexible and can accommodate specific customer platform and combat system requirements. SIGMA vessels are designed in a modular way, using standardised solutions with commercial off-the-shelf equipment where possible, enhanced by military standards where needed. Modules for a ship can be built in different locations around the world, depending on locally available manpower, skills and facilities.
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Press release, Image: DAMEN