Fincantieri held a ceremony today for the double delivery of vessels for the United Arab Emirates Navy at the yard in Muggiano (La Spezia).

These were an Abu Dhabi+Class corvette, launched in February 2011, and the Ghantut patrol vessel, launched at the same yard in January 2012.

In the presence of Rear Admiral Ibrahim Salem Mohamed Al-Musharrakh, Head of the UAE Navy, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, Italian Navy Chief of Staff, who was represented on this occasion by Vice Admiral Alberto Gauzolino, Logistic Support and Light houses Inspector, Vice Admiral Andrea Toscano, Commander in Chief Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Department Italian Navy, Vice Admiral Ernesto Nencioni, Director for Naval Armaments and Alberto Maestrini, Fincantieri Executive Senior Vice President Naval Vessels, the ceremony began with the characteristic recitation of the Qur’an in accordance with Islam.

Exemplifying Fincantieri’s product excellence, both vessels stand out for their high level of flexibility in being able to carry out different types of mission in national and international waters (from patrol and surveillance, to defence against air and surface threats and attack against both land and sea targets), as well as for their high standards of accommodation and safety.

As evidence of the strategic importance of the Middle East market and the partnership with the Emirates, Fincantieri has set up the company Etihad Ship Building in Abu Dhabi as a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East; the purpose of the company, which is already operational, is to design, construct and sell both civilian and military ships, as well as carry out maintenance and refitting.

In fact, now more than ever, securing foreign orders means ships being built in local shipyards.

It is therefore necessary to be suitably equipped to ensure that customers obtain quality and rapid delivery.