The technical launch of the Al Khor corvette, the third of the Al Zubarah class corvettes ordered by the Qatari Ministry of Defense as part of the country’s national naval acquisition program, took place today at the Fincantieri shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia).
The vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 2021.
Vice Admiral Giorgio Lazio, Italian Navy Maritime Commander – Area North, and Marco Acca, Deputy General Manager of the Naval Vessels Division of Fincantieri were among those who attended the ceremony, which was held in a restricted format and in full compliance with anti-contagion requirements. Also in attendance were Staff Brigadier General Abdulla Ali Al-Mazroey, Deputy Commander of the Qatar Emiri Navy and Commander of the Qatar Emiri Navy
The Al Zubarah class corvettes, which will be built in accordance with RINAMIL regulations, will be highly adaptable and capable of performing a variety of tasks, ranging from surveillance to sea rescue to combat operations. Approximately 107 meters long and 14.70 meters wide, they will be equipped with a combined diesel and diesel plant (CODAD), and will have a top speed of 28 knots at their maximum speed. The units will be able to accommodate a total of 112 passengers and crew members.
The corvettes will also be capable of operating high-speed boats such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern of the ship, among other things. The flight deck and hangar are both large enough to accommodate one NH90 helicopter.
The first corvette in the project was launched in February 2020, followed by the second in February 2021.
Check out Naval Library App to find out more about the specifications of the Al Zubarah-class corvettes.