Fincantieri cuts steel for first Doha-class corvette

Fincantieri has cut first steel for the first Doha-class corvette ordered by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition programme, the company announced on 30 July.

The $4.67 billion contract awarded to Fincantieri envisages the supply of seven surface vessels, including four corvettes, one landing platform dock-amphibious vessel and two offshore patrol vessels, as well as support services in Qatar for further ten years after the delivery of the vessels.

The first Doha-class corvette will be capable of fulfilling tasks ranging from surveillance with sea rescue capacities to serving as a combat vessel.

The 107m-long, 14.7m wide vessel has a maximum speed of 28kt. It will be equipped with a combined diesel and diesel turbine plant and will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board, including 98 crew members.

Furthermore, the vessel will be capable of operating rigid hull inflatable boat through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar are sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.

All the vessels will be built at Fincantieri Italian shipyards with the construction starting from 2018.