A delegation from the Moroccan Navy, led by Royal Navy Inspector Rear Admiral Mohammed Tahin participated in the steel cutting ceremony of the construction of a new “Avante 1800” high-seas patrol vessel on January 9 at Navantia’s shipyard in San Fernando, Spain, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Royal Armed Forces. The ceremony heralded the official start of the shipbuilding in accordance with royal directives.
The visiting military delegation engaged with Navantia’s leadership, including CEO Ricardo Dominguez and Industrial Unit Director Antonio Rodriguez and Spanish officials, after which Rear Admiral Tahin signed the construction contract.
Reiterating the importance of the partnership between the two nations, Domínguez commended the Royal Moroccan Navy for its confidence in the building of a ship that will enhance security in Mediterranean waterways.
Rear Admiral Tahin underlined Morocco’s trust in Spanish industry as well as the strategic partnership between the two countries. He noted that Navantia had been selected as the builder based on significant factors such as the company’s efficacy and creativity.
Morocco’s ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich, and Colonel Hassane El Hari also attended the ceremony.
The plan to construct the new Moroccan patrol vessel was announced in January 2021 by Maria Jesus Montero, Spain’s Minister of Finance, and construction commenced last year in July.
The “Avante 1800” is positioned as a modern warship designed for extended periods at sea, continuous operation, and cost-effective maintenance.
89 meters in length and 13.3 meters in width, the vessel accommodates a crew of 46 and the capacity to house another 12. It can bear a payload of 2,100 tons on board.
Projected for completion in 2026, the vessel is equipped with a 76mm cannon, missile launch systems, sensors, radar, and a helicopter deck.
As part of Morocco’s defense efforts, the Moroccan Royal Navy recently purchased four “52 Fearless Super Interceptor” speed boats from American manufacturer METAL SHARK, bringing its operational fleet to a total of five high-speed vessels, each capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 knots (about 129 km per hour), with a sustained cruising speed of 50 knots for over 12 hours.