The Moulay Hassan is preparing to leave the Spanish shipyard for good. Morocco and Navantia are due to formally complete the delivery of the Royal Moroccan Navy’s new offshore patrol vessel on Thursday, September 17, bringing to a close three years of construction at San Fernando, in the province of Cádiz.
This final formality will allow Morocco to take possession of the vessel and arrange its departure from Navantia’s facilities, according to Diario de Cádiz. The contract also includes post-delivery support and training.
The original timetable called for the vessel to be handed over somewhat earlier. In May, the patrol vessel was entering the final phase of its sea trials, with delivery then expected before August. The remaining technical work ultimately continued into September.
A Project Requiring More Than One Million Work Hours
Construction of the Moulay Hassan accounted for more than one million work hours for Navantia and its industrial partners. Around 1,100 direct, indirect and induced jobs were involved in the engineering and production work.
Launched in May 2025, the patrol vessel subsequently began an extensive testing campaign. Initial checks alongside the quay were followed by several sea trials in the Bay of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar before the final inspections ahead of delivery.
Based on Navantia’s Avante 1800 design, the Moulay Hassan is 87 metres long and 13 metres wide, with a displacement of around 2,000 tonnes. Capable of reaching 24 knots, it can accommodate a crew of around 60.
The vessel was designed for extended maritime surveillance and security missions. It is equipped with a flight deck capable of accommodating helicopters, radar and surveillance systems, as well as fast boats for auxiliary operations.
First Spanish-Built Warship Delivered to Morocco in Nearly 40 Years
The delivery of the Moulay Hassan marks a significant milestone in naval cooperation between Morocco and Spain. No military vessel has been built by Spain for the Kingdom in nearly four decades.
Its entry into service will enable the Royal Moroccan Navy to strengthen its operational capabilities in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, following a construction and testing program carried out entirely in Cádiz.
Thursday’s delivery will bring the industrial program to a close. The Moulay Hassan will then be able to leave San Fernando and join the Royal Moroccan Navy’s fleet.
