Navantia cuts steel for Moroccan OPV

Computer graphic of the Avante 1800 OPV on order for Morocco. (Navantia)

Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia has started manufacturing activities for a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) on order for the Royal Moroccan Navy.

A steel-cutting ceremony for the new OPV, which is based on Navantia's Avante 1800 design, was held at the shipbuilder's San Fernando shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, on 3 July.

Navantia is building the OPV under a contract announced in January 2021. The scope of supply includes a technical-logistical support package that includes technical training for Royal Moroccan Navy personnel in Spain.

Under the contract terms, the ship will be delivered in mid-2026, a Navantia spokesperson told Janes.

The Avante 1800 OPV on order for Morocco will have an overall length of 87 m, a beam of 13 m, a draught of 4 m, a full load displacement of 2,020 tonnes, and a maximum speed of 24 kt.

The propulsion machinery adopts a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) arrangement comprising four MAN 175D main engines. Ship service power is provided by five Baudouin 6 M26.3 marine generator sets.