Navantia splashes Morocco’s new Avante 1800 OPV

Spanish shipbuilding company Navantia has splashed a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Royal Moroccan Navy at its San Fernando shipyard.

As disclosed, the launching ceremony for the vessel took place on May 27, 2025. The ship is based on the Avante-class design previously developed by Navantia for the navies of Venezuela and Saudi Arabia.

The OPV has a length of 87 meters and a total beam of 13 meters, and can accommodate a crew of 60 people. The contract also includes a technical-logistical support package (spare parts, tools, and technical documentation), including technical training services for Royal Moroccan Navy personnel in Spain.

According to Navantia, the design of its systems aims to maintain operability, maintainability, and reliability with a reduced crew.

The president of Navantia, Ricardo Domínguez, stressed that the program represents “not only a construction milestone but also the strength of a collaboration that consolidates over time” and “testimony of the shared commitment between Spain and Morocco for security and technological excellence.”

Captain Mohammed El Fadili, from the Moroccan Navy, emphasized the importance of this project “as an expression of the deep ties of friendship and cooperation that unite the Kingdoms of Morocco and Spain in general, the Royal Navy and the Navantia shipyard in particular”.

To remind, Navantia received a contract to design and build the OPV in 2021. The contract was announced by María Jesús Montero, Spanish Minister of Finance, during a visit to the San Fernando shipyard.