EDGE Group press release
EDGE Group entity Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the regional leader in the design, construction, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of the first FALAJ 3 class vessel during a ceremony held at the ADSB shipyard. This launch marks a pivotal phase in fulfilling the contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), paving the way for an advanced fleet of vessels designed to enhance national defence capabilities.
Under the patronage of Rear Admiral Pilot Staff Major General Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, the ceremony brought together dignitaries, military officials, and senior EDGE and ADSB leadership to commemorate the vessel’s debut.
David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: “The launch of the first FALAJ3 vessel reinforces ADSB’s expertise in shipbuilding and represents a major step forward in delivering cutting-edge, highly sophisticated vessels equipped with the latest mission systems and advanced armament. This addition to ADSB’s capabilities and extensive product portfolio underscores our commitment to supporting the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Defence. As we deepen this partnership, we remain focused on driving innovation and excellence to meet the evolving needs of the nation’s defence landscape.”
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About Falaj 3 project
In May 2021, ADSB was awarded an AED 3.5 billion (~$950 million) contract by the UAE Ministry of Defense and the UAE Navy to build four Falaj 3-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs). This is the largest order the company has ever received. ASDB contracted Singapore’s ST Engineering Company for the basic, detailed and production design of the vessels. In addition, technical support will be provided for the construction of the first ship of the class.
The United Arab Emirates Navy will receive four Falaj 3-class OPVs as part of the project. The 60-meter vessels will be based on the Fearless-class patrol boats from ST Engineering. The Falaj 3 features a design that reduces radar cross-section, infrared signature and acoustic signatures to provide a stealthy profile at sea.
According to the company’s brochure, the Falaj 3 OPVs will be powered by 4 high-performance engines that will use 4 propellers to reach speeds of more than 26 knots. The ships will have 4 generators capable of producing 1.2 megawatts of power. The Falaj 3 class vessels will be equipped with an integrated platform management system that will allow all platform systems to be monitored and controlled from a single point. They also feature a wide range of safety and firefighting equipment, as well as a rigid-hull inflatable boat.
Specifications:
- Overall Length: 60M
- Beam: 9.5M
- Draught: 2.6M to 3.4M
- Displacement (Full): ~641 Tonnes
- Max Speed 26 knots
- Range at 16 knots: 2000NM
- Crew: 39 persons
