Israel Shipyards has signed an agreement with an undisclosed African nation to supply two landing ships, with an option for a third, the company announced on 15 March. The vessels are intended to be used for operational missions as well as the logistic support of combat forces. Under the agreement, the customer was given an option to purchase an additional vessel, so if the customer exercises the option, the total scope of the agreement will be approximately 16 million euros.
Mr. Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, said: “This agreement is of significant strategic importance for Israel Shipyards since this will be the first time we will provide our customers with this type of vessel. It supports Israel Shipyards’ strategy to deepen cooperation with leading suppliers and companies, to increase the supply of the products and services the company provides to its customers and will enable us to expand our range of services and naval solutions – and to extend our activities into new markets.”
The value of the deal, in which Israel Shipyards will supply the vessels over about 22 months, is about 10.7 million euros. The company does not specify the model of the vessel, but Israel Defense has learned it is a new model made by Israel Shipyards that is being sold for the first time. Under the agreement, the African customer was given an option to purchase an additional vessel within 6 months from the date of signing the transaction for approximately 5.35 million euros, so that if the customer exercises the option.
Israel Shipyards is one of the largest shipbuilding and repair facilities in the eastern Mediterranean.[2] The company also operates the first and only privately owned port in Israel. The company’s facilities are located at the Kishon Port (part of the Port of Haifa complex) include a brand new shiplift (syncrolift), capable lifting up to 3000 tons, or 100 meters LOA ships, and about 1000 meters long quay with 12 meters of water depth. Israel Shipyards is better-known for its fast patrol/attack craft, such as the Shaldag V.
