Navantia on 17 September 2026 in San Fernando (Cádiz) the offshore patrol vessel Moulay Hassan I to the Marina Real de Marruecos handed over. According to consistent reports, acceptance took place without a public ceremony; the shipyard confirmed the formal completion but did not comment on the political context.
Spanish and Moroccan media describe the ship as a Patrullero de altura . Industry reports describe it as designed for prolonged surveillance, rescue and security duties at sea. Figures cited include a length of around 87 metres, a displacement of about 2,000 tonnes, a helicopter platform and space for fast boats. Accounts differ on its integrated armament; Navantia and several media outlets stress that it was delivered without a permanently installed weapons system, while other reports expect it to be equipped later under Moroccan responsibility. It is widely classified as belonging to the Avante 1800 family.
Media coverage highlights that this is the first new military vessel project by a Spanish shipbuilding group for Morocco since the early 1980s. Construction in San Fernando lasted three years. Regional media point to employment benefits at the site and supply chains in the Bay of Cádiz.
Several Spanish media outlets have linked the decision to hand over the vessel without a ceremony to the generally sensitive relationship between the two countries and recurring tensions over Ceuta and Melilla. This has not been officially confirmed. Morocco presents the ship’s entry into service as part of the ongoing modernisation of the Marina Real de Marruecos.
The delivery has once again brought the debate on arms exports and industrial sovereignty to the fore in Spain. Supporters stress the technological profile and contract volume for Navantia; critics point to political risks, export controls and the need for clear criteria for business with third countries. No specific follow-on contracts have been announced.
The handover on 17 September 2026 is therefore the provisional conclusion of a construction and testing process that Spanish specialist media have closely followed since the keel was laid. Whether, and in what configuration, the ship will be armed in future remains a decision for the Moroccan Navy. Navantia did not comment.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).