UAE Navy Takes Delivery of Patrol Vessel

The UAE Navy earlier this week took delivery of the second "Falaj2"class patrol vessel, the Salahah, and the third ship overall from Fincantieri.

Salahah is 55 meters long and 8.60 meters wide; it has a maximum speed in excess of 20 knots and it can accommodate a crew of 28 people. Its main feature is the special geometry of its design, which makes it difficult to detect by radar.

Fincantieri, after completing the first phase of the contracted program in 2010, which called for the delivery of the 1,650-tonne anti-submarine corvette "Abu Dhabi" and two 550-tonne "Saettia-Stealth" patrol boats, will provide a support and familiarization program for United Arab Emirates crews, together by Marinalles, before being transferred to their homeland.

Meanwhile, Fincantieri has formed the company Etihad Ship Building - a joint venture with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East - specializing in the design, production and sale of different types of civil and naval ships, as well as conducting maintenance and refitting of those under construction in Italy.