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.
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