Fincantieri gets Iraqi patrol vessels

Fincantieri has won an order worth over 80 million euros ($101 million) for the construction of four patrol vessels for the Iraqi Navy. The ships will be delivered within the first six months of 2009, phased at three months intervals one from the other. The newbuildings will be delivered within the first half of 2009, at three-month intervals.

The contract, which provides for the supply of related logistics support and training, was finalized thanks to the collaboration of the Italian Defence and Foreign Affairs by way of the embassy in Baghdad. The units, which will constitute the core of the Iraqi marine patrol fleet, and will act as coast guards ships tasked with carrying out surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone, search and rescue operations, control of maritime traffic, including inspections on board ships in transit, as well as firefighting.

The Iraqi ships are based on the project Fincantieri developed for the Italian Coastguard (five “Diciotti” class vessels) and for the Armed Forces of Malta (one vessel). The vessels will be built under the supervision of the Italian Classification Society, Rina, in accordance with high international standards for safety and the environment.

Fincantieri will also supply the systems and components, for propulsion (Isotta Fraschini V1716T2MSD 2,360 kW engines, shaft lines and variable pitch propellers), gensets (Isotta Fraschini L1306T3ME 220 kW generators) and stabilisers.

Iraq’s fledgling navy has said it plans to acquire 21 new boats over the next two years as it prepares to take over the security of offshore oil terminals, the main gateway for the country’s petroleum exports.