RAN’s MV Sycamore arrives in Sydney

The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) multi-role aviation training vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore arrived in Sydney harbour after completing her 14-day maiden voyage, Damen Shipyards announced on 27 June.

The 94m long vessel is now less than a month away from deployment as a multi-role vessel and helicopter training platform for the RAN.

Constructed by Damen, the MV Sycamore is a special purpose ship that has been designed to combine both commercial and military characteristics. 

Although the vessel will be commercially operated, it integrates several strategic features such as a helicopter deck associated with training facilities, aviation operational spaces, multifunctional mission deck and workshops as installed on the latest RAN ships.

The MATV will enable the RAN to carry out navigation and air traffic control training, officer familiarisation, target towing, torpedo and mine recovery operations and dive and unmanned aerial vehicle support.

Roland Briene, sales director of Asia Pacific, Damen, said: ‘It is definitely an impressive sight to see the Sycamore enter Sydney harbour. The MATV project really highlights what can be achieved with this joint team effort. We have accomplished the on-time and on-budget construction of a complex vessel that will provide an efficient, functional and comfortable training platform for the RAN.