The Spanish shipyard of San Fernando in Cadiz recently celebrated the official debut of a new Avante 1800+ class patrol ship, custom-built by the Spanish firm Navantia for the Royal Moroccan Navy. This event marks the culmination of a nearly three-year project, which began with the signing of a contract in September 2022, supported by a €95 million loan from Banco Santander contributing to the total vessel cost of €130 million.
The newly launched vessel, identified as construction number 565 at the Navantia San Fernando facility, measures 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width and will have a crew of 60. Its construction spanned almost two years, requiring an investment of one million work hours and generating approximately 1,100 jobs, encompassing direct, indirect, and associated employment.
The agreement between Navantia and the Royal Moroccan Navy also includes comprehensive technical and logistical support, along with specialized technical training for Moroccan personnel in Spain. This extends to the provision of spare parts, technical documentation, and specific tools necessary for the vessel’s operation and maintenance.
The launch ceremony was a significant occasion, attended by prominent figures from the business and political sectors, as well as representatives from the armed forces of both Morocco and Spain. Key attendees included the mayors of San Fernando and Puerto Real, government and regional delegates from Cadiz, high-ranking naval officers from both nations, and top executives from Navantia.
The event highlighted the strong and enduring naval partnership between Spain and Morocco, characterized by ongoing collaboration and mutual technical understanding.
During the ceremony, Alberto Cervantes from Navantia paid tribute to the late José Antonio Rodríguez Poch, who previously led the Moroccan program and passed away a year prior. Cervantes emphasized that this ship demonstrates the skill of their teams and the continued positive relationship built on high standards and mutual respect.
Captain Mohammed El Fadili of the Royal Moroccan Navy underscored the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating that the vessel reflects the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between Morocco and Spain, as well as their respective navies and Navantia. He further connected this procurement to Morocco’s military strategy, affirming King Mohammed VI’s commitment to developing a capable and adaptable navy to address modern maritime security challenges.
Ricardo Domínguez García-Baquero, President of Navantia, commended the dedication of everyone involved in the ship’s creation, viewing it as clear evidence of the strong and consistent understanding between two nations sharing a common maritime future. This collaboration stands as another testament to the positive relationship between Morocco and Spain, who are key political and military allies working together across the Mediterranean to promote regional stability and progress.
The Avante 1800+ patrol boat is described as a versatile and cost-effective corvette, designed for a range of missions including air, surface, and electronic warfare, as well as surveillance within Exclusive Economic Zones. Its design incorporates stealth features, a long operational range, and advanced sensors, blending operational flexibility with Navantia’s extensive experience in designing frigates. Specifically engineered to maximize performance in both coastal and open sea operations, the Avante 1800+ achieves a balance between its compact size and advanced combat capabilities. Its stealth design minimizes its radar signature, and its architecture allows for the easy integration of modern systems. This makes it an ideal choice for navies seeking a multi-functional and efficient vessel. Its ability to operate with smaller crews and maintain high readiness positions it as a strategic asset for dynamic defense scenarios, according to the Spanish shipbuilder.
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