Navantia has turned its attention to the UK's GBP800 million (USD1.6 billion) Fleet Tanker competition following the launch of what will be the Spanish Navy's largest replenishment ship. The 19,100-ton auxiliary oiler Can-tabria entered the water at the company's San Fernando-Puerto Real yard on 21 July, making it the first ship to be built there. The Spanish shipbuilder is one of four companies shortlisted by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to submit detailed proposals for up to six tankers under the Maritime Afloat Reach and Sustainability (MARS) programme, with the first unit due for delivery in 2012. Although Cantabria, which measures 173.9 m overall, is smaller than the vessels envisaged for the UK, a Navantia spokesman said the experience gained from its con- struction had proved to be "very useful" in preparing the MARS bid. "This is a latest-generation ship that is designed to meet latest standards," he told Jane's. "If it had not been for the work we are doing on the Cantabria, it would have been much more complicated" to try for the UK contract, he added.
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