Damen-built clipper accepted by Royal Navy of Oman
A three-masted steel clipper built by Damen Shipyards has been formally accepted by the Royal Navy of Oman at a ceremony at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. The sail training vessel will serve as an ambassador for Oman.
Named RNOV Shabab Oman II, the 87m vessel is the third such clipper to be built by Damen. The vessel successfully completed its sea trial programme in July, which took place in the North Sea coastal waters around Vlissingen.
Arnoud Both, project manager, Damen, said that the trials saw tests of everything that cannot be tested while moored in harbor, including the vessel’s 2,700 m² sail area.
‘The proper functioning of the sails and propulsion systems can only be tested at sea. With a total of 28 sails, and the amazing amount of standing and running rigging involved, it was wonderful to see that everything works smoothly. We have put two years of blood, sweat and some tears into this project but it is all worth it because it was such a beautiful moment seeing the ship at sea in full sail. It was a very emotional and fulfilling experience,’ he said.
‘We hired an experienced clipper captain and some of the officers and crew members from another Damen-built clipper, the Stad Amsterdam. It was great to hear the positive feedback from the crew about the sailing experience and handling characteristics of the Shabab Oman II. The ship handles well and can sail closer to the wind due to design improvements from Dykstra Naval Architects,’ he added
Damen Shipyards Gorinchem handled overall project management and procurement of the programme, while Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania performed the major construction works, launching the clipper in December last year. Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen carried out final outfitting works such as installation of the three 50m steel/aluminum masts, rigging and spars as well as modern technical systems.
More from Naval Warfare
-
BMT and DNV partner to meet Australia’s heavy landing craft requirement
Under Project Land 8710 Phase 2, Australia has been seeking to acquire an undisclosed number of Littoral Manoeuvre Vessels to replace the Balikpapan-class. The programme has an estimated value of AU$1.4 billion (US$910 million), with IOC slated for 2032.
-
Babcock to take over upkeep of Royal Navy Type-23 frigates
The Royal Navy’s Type-23 Duke-class frigates for the UK Royal Navy were designed as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships but now have a multi-role function. Of the 16 Type 23s built, 12 remain in service with the Royal Navy and will be replaced by the Type-26 frigates before 2035.
-
Austal completes autonomy trials with former Royal Australian Navy patrol boat
The work took place under the Patrol Boat Autonomy Trial (PBAT), which has been a collaboration between Austal, Greenroom Robotics, the Trusted Autonomous Systems Defence Cooperative Research Centre and the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) Warfare Innovation Navy Branch.
-
Singapore launches fourth and final Type 218SG submarine
The era of southeast Asian submarine modernisation has been in full swing fuelled by growing tensions in the South China Sea.
-
Keel laid for third Hellenic Navy frigate as harbour trials start for first
On 24 March 2022, Greece and Naval Group have signed a contract for three defence and intervention (FDI) frigates. Two warships will be due for delivery in 2025 and the third expected the following year, with the deal including an option to add a fourth frigate to be ready in 2027.