فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
San Fernando (Cadiz), Spain – In accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces,1 a high-level delegation from the Royal Moroccan Navy attended the launching ceremony of the new offshore patrol vessel “Avante 1800+” on May 27, 2025. This significant event followed the completion of its manufacturing work in the dry dock of the Spanish company “Navantia” in San Fernando (Cadiz).
High-Level Presence Underscores Deep Partnership
The ceremony was marked by the presence of prominent civilian and military figures, including Mr. Ricardo Dominguez, President of Navantia, Ms. Patricia Cavada, Mayor of San Fernando, Ms. Aurora Salvador, Mayor of Puerto Real, Ms. Blanca Flores, Deputy Government Delegate in Cadiz, and Rear Admiral Ruben Rodriguez Peña, Commander of the Cadiz Naval Base.
A Milestone Reflecting Strong Relations
In his opening speech, Navantia’s president expressed great pride and satisfaction with this achievement, describing it as “a significant milestone in marine manufacturing and a reflection of the deepening partnership between Morocco and Spain.” He also praised the dedication and teamwork shown by the company’s staff and industrial partners throughout the project’s execution phases.
For his part, the representative of the Royal Moroccan Navy, speaking on behalf of Rear Admiral, Inspector of the Royal Moroccan Navy, emphasized the strong historical relations between the Kingdom of Morocco and Spain in general, and between the Royal Moroccan Navy and Navantia in particular. He also highlighted the central role of this project, which falls within the framework of modernizing and developing the Royal Armed Forces’ defensive capabilities to face evolving and accelerating security challenges, in line with the High Directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him.
A Crucial Stage in the Manufacturing Process
The ceremony concluded with Mr. Alberto Cervantes and Brigadier General Mohammed El Fadel, the Royal Moroccan Navy representative, jointly pressing the button to activate the vessel’s launch mechanism from the dry dock into the sea. This is considered one of the most important stages in the ship’s construction, which is expected to be completed in approximately one year. A special ceremony will then be organized for its delivery to the Royal Moroccan Navy.
The new vessel is approximately 87 meters long and 13 meters wide, and can operate with an average crew of 60 personnel. This project also includes a comprehensive package of technical and logistical support, encompassing spare parts, technical tools, and technical documentation, in addition to training and qualification programs for the Royal Moroccan Navy crews.
