The Royal Moroccan Navy’s DCNS-built frégate Européen multi-mission (FREMM) frigate, to be named Mohammed VI, has started first sea trials off the Brittany coast, France.

DCNS is under contract to build 11 FREMM ships for the French Navy and one for the Moroccan Navy.

Scheduled to be delivered at the end of 2013, the FREMM frigate will demonstrate its navigation systems’ capabilities including log, position and heading, as well as its inertial platforms for precise positioning anywhere in the world.

During the trials’ familiarisation phase, the team will test the ship’s safety systems and equipment, which includes fire-fighting, flood control and emergency response systems and evacuation procedures, as well as manoeuvrability and mooring performance.

"The new vessel’s crew will undergo simulator-based training at the company’s Lorient facility in France over the next few months to enhance their ability to maintain and operate the ship and its systems."

The vessel will also demonstrate its system high-performance hybrid combined diesel electric or gas (CODLOG) power package integrated with electric motors for low-speed silent-mode propulsion and a gas turbine for high-speed mechanical propulsion, with a maximum speed in excess of 27k, during the second phase of the trial.

DCNS FREMM frigate programmes director Anne Bianchi said the FREMM frigates are technologically advanced and competitively priced vessels that are designed and built by DCNS to address the needs of navies worldwide.

The new vessel’s crew will undergo simulator-based training at the company’s Lorient facility in France over the next few months to enhance their ability to maintain and operate the ship and its systems.

Following the completion of preliminary trials, the ship will undergo second sea tests focusing on performance of the combat system.

Capable of accommodating a crew of 145, the 142m-long FREMM frigates have a displacement capacity of 6,000t, can cruise at a speed of 27k and have a range of 15km.

Defence Technology