In recent years, the coastal waters off Cádiz, Spain, have witnessed significant developments in naval engineering that have garnered international attention. On Thursday, Navantia officially delivered the Moulay Hassan I, an 87-meter offshore patrol vessel, to the Royal Moroccan Navy in San Fernando. This event marks a pivotal return of military shipbuilding for Morocco at Spanish shipyards after a delay of over four decades. The transfer occurred with the signing of a delivery milestone, although it lacked an official ceremony. Navantia, the state-owned Spanish company, clarified that the specifics of each delivery are coordinated with the client, and in this instance, the contract did not stipulate a formal event. This transaction comes at a particularly sensitive time in Spain-Morocco relations, influenced by ongoing tensions regarding the situation in Ceuta.
Engineering Excellence of the Moulay Hassan I
The Moulay Hassan I represents the 565th vessel produced by Navantia San Fernando, showcasing the company’s dedication to maritime engineering. Stretching 87 meters in length and 13 meters in width, this offshore patrol vessel boasts a full-load displacement of approximately 2,020 metric tons and can accommodate a crew of up to 60 personnel. Designed for versatility and extended missions at sea, the vessel can achieve a maximum speed of around 24 knots. It is equipped with a deck suitable for helicopter operations and has the capacity to deploy high-speed RHIB-type boats. The design emphasizes not only size but also operational flexibility, enabling the vessel to conduct various missions including maritime surveillance, protection of economic zones, monitoring of maritime activities, and rescue operations with a high degree of availability.
Although Navantia has not disclosed the specific weaponry configuration of the vessel delivered to Morocco, the ship's design allows for the integration of various systems. It is crucial to distinguish between the model's potential capabilities and the actual equipment installed on this particular unit.
Significant Contributions to Local Employment and Historical Context
The construction of the Moulay Hassan I involved a substantial industrial effort, with Navantia estimating that the project generated over one million work hours and created approximately 1,100 jobs—both direct and indirect—over the three years of its development. The initial steel cutting began in July 2023, followed by the keel's arrival in September 2024, culminating in the launch of the patrol boat on May 27, 2025, during a ceremony attended by Spanish officials and representatives from the Royal Moroccan Navy. Following the launch, the vessel underwent a series of port and sea trials, testing various systems before reaching the final delivery milestone.
Additionally, the contract encompasses more than just the construction of the hull; it includes the provision of spare parts, tools, technical documentation, and training for Moroccan personnel in Spain. This comprehensive support package is designed to ensure the vessel's effective entry into service and maintenance.
The arrival of the Moulay Hassan I in the Moroccan fleet is historically significant, marking the first warship built in Spain for Morocco since the corvette Teniente Coronel Errahmani was delivered in 1983 by Empresa Nacional Bazán, Navantia's predecessor. With the signing of the delivery certificate, the Moulay Hassan I is now officially part of the Royal Moroccan Navy, awaiting the decision from Moroccan authorities regarding its departure from the San Fernando shipyard. This delivery represents the culmination of a long-term industrial program and signals a new chapter for a platform designed for extended maritime operations, integrating autonomy, surveillance, and multi-mission capabilities.
As reported by forbes.es.
