TRIESTE, Italy, June 13 (UPI) -- A second patrol boat under construction for the United Arab Emirates has been launched at Fincantieri's Muggiano shipyard in Italy.
The Qarnen is about 180 feet long, 28 feet wide and has a speed capability of more than 20 knots. Fincantieri said the vessel features stealth technology in its design.
The vessel was ordered in 2010 under the country's Falaj 2 program. Deliveries of the Qarnen and the first boat, the Ghantut, to the United Arab Emirates are to take place this year and next year.
Details of electronic and other equipment being installed on the vessel and its cost weren't disclosed. The company, however, said the Emirates' contract allows for construction of two additional boats and also provides for technology transfer by Fincantieri.
Fincantieri, with Al Fattan Ship Industries and Melara Middle East, has established a joint venture company in the UAE named EtihadShipBuilding for the design, construction and sale of different types of civilian and military vessels, as well as marine maintenance operations.
