Launched in Palermo, the amphibious Landing Platform Dock "Al Fulk" is part of a larger deal signed in 2016 with the Ministry of Defense of Qatar to deliver 7 next generation surface units. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called it a "historic milestone," since "no full ship has left what is now the greatest shipyard in Italy for the production of ships since 2009". An important moment for Palermo, therefore, but also "for Fincantieri and we hope it will be the first of a long series of ships, and not just pieces, that come out of this shipyard which is the one that has more logistical possibilities in Italy. Probably," added the minister, "this is also the shipyard that has the best skilled steel workforce in the country." We've reached the last part of the series, but "There will be further vessels that can be constructed in Palermo in the future. The area has a long history of ferry service, which bodes well for the shipyard's future".
|