The vessel, recently procured by the Armada, will undergo a refurbishing process before being delivered to the Cartagena Arsenal.
On December 9, at Rota Naval Base, the signing of the procurement and delivery of the Multipurpose Support Vessel (MSV) ‘Cartagena’ A-62, equipped with offshore towing capability, took place at facilities of the company Navaleva S.L.
The awarding of the ship was carried out on October 25. The ship was subsequently transferred from Haugesund (Norway) to Rota Naval Base after passing several technical and operational inspections, including the appraisal of her systems and underwater body by specialist divers. Final acceptance took place after completion of inspections, port and sea trials, initial training of the crew, and delivery of relevant documentation.
The ship, christen ‘Cartagena’ (A-62), was built in 2015 by the company SALT at the Cemre shipyard with Norwegian engineering design. The vessel is in the first third of her operational life and should be in service for more than twenty years from now.
Among her main features, the ‘Cartagena’ has a length of 69.80 meters, a width of 17 meters, a 55-ton capacity, maximum speed of 13.4 knots, a loading area of 500 m2, and can transport up to six refrigerated containers. She also has a dynamic positioning system, accommodation for 60 people and the capability to supply water and fuel to other vessels in navigation.
Before being homeported in the Cartagena Arsenal, the A-62 will stop at the Navantia Repair Yard in Cadiz on December 12 for a complete overhaul that will include cleaning and painting of the hull in navy grey, inspection of rudders and propellers.
This ship enhances the Armada’s logistic and operational capabilities, meeting the most demanding standards for support missions and towing at high seas.