VIPs in attendance included the Turkish Navy’s Chief of Staff and the Commander of the Qatari Emiri Navy.
Cevat Rifat Atilhan, CEO of Anadolu Shipyard, said:
“The contract for this ship was signed in September of last year. The 12-month period has ended, and we are proceeding with the launch as planned today. We intend to complete all tests and training sessions over the next 24 months and deliver them to Qatar.”
Atilhan stated that the ship would be used for a variety of purposes, including personnel transfer, vehicle transfer, logistics operations, and humanitarian assistance.
“We have previously built and delivered eight of these types of vessels for the Turkish Naval Forces.” We are building these ships with a local contribution of more than 70%. These LCTs are entirely original to us. As part of our current contract with Qatar, we are currently building two military training ships. We just delivered one a few weeks ago, and its trials are still ongoing.” Atilhan added.
Last year, Anadolu Shipyard and Barzan Holdings signed a contract for the construction of landing assets to meet the demands of the Qatari Emiri Navy. Anadolu Shipyard is building one LCT (Landing Craft Tank), two 40-meter LCM (Landing Craft Mechanized 40), and one 15.7-meter LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle & Personnel) under the terms of the contract.
The LCT FUWAIRIT is expected to join the Qatari Emiri Navy before the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
About LCT FUWARAIT (QL-80):
The LCT Fuwarait has an overall length of 80 meters and a beam of 11.7 meters, and it has a displacement of approximately 1150 tons. The main source of power is provided by two diesel engines (2 x 12V175D-ML 2400 kW each), which propel two shafts and allow the vessel to reach top speeds of more than 20 knots (18 knots when fully loaded).
The LCT is staffed by a total of 25 people. On its 400 square meter vehicle deck, it will be capable of carrying three main battle tanks, as well as military vehicles of various types and sizes, or 260 fully equipped troops.
Fuwarait will be armed with two 30 mm guns and two 12.7 mm STAMP guns, both manufactured by Aselsan. It will feature an electrooptic system, a navigation radar equipped with WECDIS, and communication systems.
With a range of more than 1,500 nautical miles, the LCT FUWAIRIT can remain at sea for up to 7 days without replenishment.
