The Ministry of Defence in Oman has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the construction of a Sail Training Vessel (STV). In addition, Damen has started building 14 terminal tugs for Kuwait Oil Company.
The 87-metre square rigged, three-masted steel clipper for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) and will take up its role as flagship. In addition to its key role of training young Omani navy cadets and officers, the new clipper will be deployed in a distinct diplomatic role.
Due for delivery in August 2014, the ship will replace the RNO’s current RNOV Shabab Oman and will be in the RNO Fleet. In March (2013) the ship’s keel laying ceremony took place at Damen Shipyards Galati (Romania). The RNO has an eight-strong overseeing team stationed in Romania.
The enhanced navy recruitment and training are part of Oman’s drive to increase its naval capabilities along its 3,165 kilometer coastline. Next to fleet expansion, this includes the establishment and expansion of the fleet facilities.
Masts and Exterior Woodwork in Flushing
Overall project management and procurement is in the hands of Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, whereas Damen Shipyards Galati forms the main building site. The clipper’s completion will be performed at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Flushing (the Netherlands). Here, the three 50-metre steel/aluminum masts and the exterior woodwork will be installed, in addition to all interior wood lining furnishing and finish. Both inside and out, the sail training clipper will feature a clear, traditional Omani look and late nineteenth century tea clipper hull characteristics. The ship and the overseeing team are expected in Flushing for the completing stage late 2013.
Dutch Design and Engineering
The as yet nameless three-master will accommodate 34 navy recruits in addition to a 58-strong complement. 87 meters long and 11 meters wide, it will have 2700 m² sail area. With the main design subcontracted to Dykstra Naval Architects – who also designed the Stad Amsterdam and the Cisne Branco – all engineering was by Damen.
Fourteen Tugs
A symbolic keel-laying ceremony on the 17th of April 2013 in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, officially launched the construction phase of fourteen Damen ASD Tugs for Kuwait Oil Company (KOC). The series consist of two types, nine of the recently launched 3212 model and five of the 2810 design, with 80 and 50 tons of bollard pull respectively.
All tugs will be built at the Damen Romania-based Galati shipyard and building will start shortly, with deliveries scheduled from 2014 onwards.
Picture: The clipper for Oman
