On Monday 19th December 2022, the leading vessel of the Maritime Squadron of Armed Forces of Malta (AFM), the P 71, an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) which was two years past her delivery deadline was seen entering the floating dock NAZLAB for immediate repairs.
The 74.8 metres P 71 an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) was designed and built by Cantiere Navale Vittoria SpA in Italy with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as class society, cost taxpayers a total of €48.6 million, according to Government Gazette records. Data submitted to parliament, however, shows that the project’s original budget was €34.7 million, 53.5% of which was co-financed through the EU’s Internal Security Fund.
Once the floating dock was raised and the OPV was dry, several security measures were taken and repairs were carried out on her hull mainly on her active stabilising fins. She has 2 engines giving an output of 5,440 kW with 2 pitch propellers, 3 generators of 750 kW each and bow and stern thrusters.
Floating Dock NAZLAB is part of Melita Marine Group – https://melitamarinegroup.net/ who they appreciate our work and are part of our SPONSORS too.
