Modern-Day Sail Training Vessel for Royal Navy of Oman

The Ministry of Defence in Oman has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the construction of a Sail Training Vessel (STV). The 87-metre square rigged, three-masted steel clipper and will take up her 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 and emphasize Oman’s centuries-old maritime tradition.

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). This was conducted by Rear Admiral Al Raisi, the RNO’s commander-in-chief. 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.

Three Damen yards

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 19th century tea clipper hull characteristics. The ship and the overseeing team are expected in Flushing for the completing stage late 2013.

“We have our proven record in steel clippers to thank for this contract”, Damen Regional Sales Director Bram Langeveld and Arnoud Both, the Project Manager in charge, note. The vessel’s key construction features and its dimensions will largely resemble that of the ‘Stad Amsterdam’ and the ‘Cisne Branco’, the Brazilian navy’s new Sail Training Vessel. ‘Modern-day sophisticated sail training ships may even become a bit of a trend with us and we are very proud that the Omani Ministry of Defence has awarded this prestigious contract to us“, Langeveld adds.

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 2,700 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 ‘Made by Damen’.

Damen Shipyards Group (est. 1927) operates more than 50 shipyards, repair yards and related companies worldwide. Damen employs over 7,000 people in 35 countries, has delivered over 5,000 vessels since 1969 and delivers some 150 vessels annually to worldwide customers. Based on its unique, standardised ship-design concept and short delivery times, Damen is able to guarantee consistent quality.

Damen’s focus on standardisation, modular construction and keeping vessels in stock leads to short delivery times, low ‘total cost of ownership’, high resale value, proven technology and reliable performance. Damen offers a wide range of products, including: tugs, workboats, patrol vessels, high speed craft, cargo vessels, dredgers, offshore support vessels, oil-spill response vessels, frigates and super yachts. For nearly all vessel types Damen offers a broad range of Services, such as Lifecycle Maintenance Services, Customer Finance, Training and transfer of (shipbuilding) knowledge.

In addition to ship design and shipbuilding, Damen Shiprepair & Conversion offers a network of 16 ship repair & conversion yards worldwide, most of which are conveniently located along the North Sea coast from Brest (France) to Gothenburg (Sweden). Damen Shiprepair & Conversion operates 40 dry docks of all types and sizes and offers onsite/onboard repair services. Conversion projects range from refitting small fishing vessels into private yachts to the complete conversion or rebuilding of large jack-up rigs.

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Press Release, May 16, 2013