Iraq receives first Patrol Vessel "Fateh"
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May 16, 2009, Muggiano -- Today at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia) there was the delivery ceremony of the first of four patrol vessels ordered from Fincantieri by Iraqi Navy and worth 80 million Euros. The vessel has been built at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Riva Trigoso.
Iraq was represented by the Chief of Staff for the Defence, General Babaker Baderkhan Al Zibari while Italy was represented by the Director General for Naval Shipbuildings and Armament, Admiral Dino Nascetti. Fincantieri was represented by the head of the Naval Vessels Business Unit, Alberto Maestrini.
This first vessel – called the “Fateh” – will immediately start to undertake surveillance of the Iraqi Exclusive Economic Zone (58 kilometers of coastline rich in oil reserves, the country’s most important economic resource), research and salvage operations, maritime traffic controls – including inspections on board ships in transit – and firefighting. The remaining three vessels will be delivered at three monthly intervals.
The “Saettia MK4” class vessels have been developed from the vessels Fincantieri built for the Italian Coast Guards (five “Diciotti” class vessels) and the Maltese Navy (one vessel). Together they will form the core of the patrol fleet of the Iraqi Navy and be tasked with duties similar to those of the Italian Coast Guards. Manned by a crew of 38, the 53.40-metre-long, 8-metre-wide vessels can reach a speed of 23 knots.
The vessels have been built under the supervision of the Italian Register of Ships (Rina) in accordance with strict international standards regarding safety and respect for the environment.
Fincantieri is also directly responsible for supplying the ship systems and components which were built at its facilities in Bari and Riva Trigoso and regard: propulsion (Isotta Fraschini 2360 kW engines V1716T2MSD, shafts and variable pitch propellers), generation (Isotta Fraschini 220 kW generators L1306T3ME) and stabilizing systems.
The contract also comprises the provision of logistical support and crew training with each crew completing a 7 week training course. In cooperation with the Italian Navy there will be a week’s course held on the bridge simulator at the Academy of Leghorn.
(Defpro)
