The Algerian Navy Algeria’s Navy will in two years’ time take delivery of a 96 metre long corvette from China’s Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group (HZ). UK-based maritime classification society Lloyd’s Register will provide assurance and certification services for vessels being built in China for the Algerian Navy. It is not clear which model of corvette Algeria will be receiving, but it could be similar to the Pattani or Type 056 classes. Lloyd’s Register had a long relationship with Hudong-Zhonghua and Algeria’s navy, and supported the construction of three 2 800 tonne corvettes for the Algerian Navy between 2013 and 2016.
The Algerian Naval Force project, consisting of a 96-metre corvette will be designed and constructed to LR’s Naval Ship Rules. The Corvette is designed for operations including patrol, escort and protection of maritime interests within the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The Corvette incorporates a helipad and a crew of 78 people, has a range of 3,500 nautical miles and is capable of top speeds in excess of 27 knots. It is scheduled for delivery in 2022.
The Type 056 (NATO reporting name: Jiangdao) is a class of corvette deployed by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). They replace older patrol craft and some of the Type 053H frigates. The first Type 056 entered service in February 2013.[6] An anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant, commonly known as Type 056A, has also entered service. Following construction of the Aba in December 2019, China ceased building of Type 056 corvettes to focus on procuring bigger warships for high sea missions.Two 1800 ton patrol variant, P18N has been delivered to Nigeria and four 1300 ton corvette variant has been sold to Bangladesh.
The Pattani class is 95.5 metres long offshore patrol vessels (OPV) and is currently in service with the Royal Thai Navy. The type displaces nearly 1 500 tonnes and is armed with a 76 mm main gun, two GI-2 20 mm cannons and two 12.7 mm machineguns. Under a May 2002 agreement, the China State Shipbuilding Corporation built the Pattani and her sister ship HTMS Naratiwat at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai. Pattani was launched in 2004 and delivered to the Royal Thai Navy on 16 December 2005.
