The technical launch of Al Zubarah, the first of four Doha-class corvettes ordered by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano, La Spezia on February 27, 2020.
The vessel, which will be delivered in 2021, is designed consistent with the rules for the classification of naval ships (RINAMIL) rules.
She will be a flexible type of ship capable of fulfilling a range of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capabilities to being a fighting vessel.
Al Zubarah will feature a length of 107 meters, a width of 14.7 meters and a maximum speed of 28 knots. The unit will be provided with a combined diesel and diesel plant (CODAD) and will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board.
Furthermore, the vessel will be capable of operating high-speed boats such as rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar will be sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.
The corvette is being built under a larger, EUR 4 billion contract which will see the Italian shipbuilder deliver a total of seven surface vessels — four corvettes, one amphibious vessel (landing platform dock) and two offshore patrol vessels.