News

2021-10-01

Royal Saudi Navy’s AL JUBAIL Starts Sea Trials

The first of five corvettes that Navantia is building for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), NB 546 AL-JUBAIL, has begun its sea trials. The trials are taking place in the waters of the Bay of Cádiz, Spain, in order to check the correct operation of all its systems.

Sea trials are carried out before delivery to check the operation of both the platform and the different systems and test their compliance with the requirements specified in the contract.

The trials last a total of two months, divided into two different periods. The current trial will last about two weeks. Around 140 people are participating in these trials, which includes 40 engineers from different specialities.

The trials are staffed by Navantia, partner Industries, Lloyds Register of Shipping and equipment supplier companies. The RSNF and members of the Spanish Navy are also participating on behalf of the client.

Once this period is over, AL-JUBAIL will have its combat system installed before the ship’s delivery. Launched in July 2020, delivery to the end customer is expected to occur within five months.

Navantia is building AL JUBAIL as part of the Avante 2200 programme. It has a length of 104 metres, a beam of 14 and will transport a total of 102 people, including crew and passengers.

The design of the corvettes is of the latest generation, maximising the participation of Navantia by incorporating its own products, such as the CATIZ Combat System, the HERMESYS Integrated Communications System, the DORNA Firing Direction, the Integrated Platform Control System, and the MINERVA Integrated Bridge, together with other equipment developed by the company under license, such as the MTU Engines and the RENK Reduction Gearboxes.

This contract, which came into force in November 2018, strengthens the immediate future of Navantia and will reportedly benefit all the shipyards of the company and its auxiliary industry, especially the Bay of Cadiz.

This programme, whose last vessel is scheduled to be delivered in 2024, includes, in addition to construction, Life Cycle Support for five years, from the delivery of the first vessel, with an option for another five years.

The contract also includes the supply of several services such as Integrated Logistic Support, Operational and Maintenance Training, Supply of Training and Education Centres for the Combat System and Platform Control System of the ships and the systems for the maintenance of the ships in the Jeddah Naval Base. In addition, the training of the crews is already taking place in the recently inaugurated Navantia Training Centre (NTC).

Comments () Views (6356 ) Print

Send To Friend