Fincantieri launches 1st new offshore patrol vessel for Qatar

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has launched Musherib, the first-in-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ordered by the Qatari Ministry of Defence.

The technical launch of the newbuild took place at the Muggiano, La Spezia yard on 18 September 2020.

The launching ceremony, held privately and in full compliance with the current health regulations, followed the first steel cutting of the vessel Sumaysimah, the fourth corvette within the same Qatari naval acquisition program.

The Musherib OPV vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2022. Its design is said to be consistent with the RINAMIL for Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) rules. The OPV will be a flexible type of ship capable of performing several services, from surveillance to combat functions.

The OPV features a length of 63 meters, a width of 9.2 meters and has a maximum speed of 30 knots. It will accommodate as many as 38 crew members.

Specifically, the propulsion system has four variable pitch propellers, two to starboard and two to the left, each in line with a diesel propulsion engine. Furthermore, the vessel will be capable of operating a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) through a crane located at the stern.

The contract, worth for Fincantieri nearly EUR 4 billion, envisages the supply of seven surface vessels, including four corvettes, one amphibious vessel (landing platform dock), and two patrol vessels as well as support services in Qatar for further 10 years after the delivery of the vessels.

All the units are entirely built at Fincantieri’s Italian shipyards.