Spanish Navy, Cartagena Editorial Photo

These Minehunters are seen in the Spanish Naval (Armada) Base at Cartagena, Murcia, Spain. These Segura Class Minehunters include Turia (M34), Duero (M35) and Tajo (M36). Six Segura class minehunters have been built for the Spanish Navy by the Spanish shipbuilders Navantia (formerly Bazan, then Izar) at the Cartagena shipyard. Segura (M31) was commissioned in November 1998, Sella (M32) in 1999, Tambre (M33) in February 2000 and Turia (M34) in September 2000. In January 2001, the Spanish Navy ordered a further two Segura class minehunters, Duero and Tajo. Duero was commissioned in July 2004. Tajo was launched in June 2004 and delivered in January 2005. The main mission is the clearance of mines in the entrance to ports, naval bases and coastal sea lanes. Mines are cleared to a depth of 200m for bottom mines and 300m for moored mines. A secondary mission is to guide other shipping through the channels which have been cleared in the minefields.