Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has held a keel laying of the new amphibious vessel (landing platform dock – LPD) ordered by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program.
The ceremony took place at Palermo shipyard today (17 May).
The LPD is designed consistent with the rules for naval ships classification (RINAMIL) to ensure efficient land-air-marine connections. The ship will be about 143 meters long, and 21.5 meters wide, and it will be able to accommodate about 550 persons on board, according to the company.
It will be equipped with two vehicle ramps and an internal floodable dock, capable of accommodating a ready-to-go LCM (landing craft mechanized) that can also be stored on the garage deck, and can be deployed using a system of davits. Furthermore, the flight deck is sized for hosting an NH90 helicopter.
The LPD will be highly flexible and capable of fulfilling different kinds of tasks, from humanitarian interventions to supporting the Armed Forces and land operations.
A €5 billion deal between Italy and Qatar for the construction of seven navy vessels was signed back in 2017.
Seven surface vessels, of which four corvettes of over 100 meters in length, one amphibious vessel, and two patrol vessels are to be built under this contract.
Last month, Fincantieri delivered Damsah, the second of four Al Zubarah-class corvettes, to the Qatari Ministry of Defence.