Damen has named the Royal Navy of Oman’s new flagship, the Sail Training Clipper Shabab Oman II.
The ceremony took place 8 May at at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, Vlissingen, in the presence of dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence of Oman and senior Damen management.
Three-Mast Tea Clipper
The 87 m long steel-hulled vessel is a three-mast, full square rigger built to design principles set for the iconic tea clippers of the 19th century, benefiting from 21st century technology and comfort. Featuring a fully unfurled sail area of 2700 m2, the vessel can accommodate 34 navy recruits plus a 58-strong crew.
Shabab Oman II will replace a vessel of the same name, fulfilling its training role while acting as a roving emissary promoting Oman's long maritime tradition to the peoples of the world.
Dykstra Naval Architects
The new clipper is the third example of Damen’s working relationship with Dykstra Naval Architects, following the delivery of Stad Amsterdam training ship and the Brazilian navy’s Cisne Branco.
Its traditional profile houses cutting edge bridge systems from Imtech Marine/Alewijnse and controls from Johnson. All internal spaces have been designed for low noise and vibration.
Managed from Damen headquarters in Gorinchem, the clipper was principally constructed at Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania, then towed to the Vlissingen yard where the 50 m steel/aluminium masts, rigging and spars were installed and finishing works undertaken.
