Austal Hosts Naming Ceremony for Oman’s New Naval Vessels

Austal has welcomed the Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO), Rear-Admiral (RADM) Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi to the company’s Australian shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, to officially name two 72 meter High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs) designed and built by Austal for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

 

In a formal ceremony, RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi named the ships RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) and RNOV AL NAASIR (S12).

 

The first vessel – RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) – is on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2016; whilst the second vessel – RNOV AL NAASIR – was launched this month and shall be delivered following further fitout, sea trials and acceptance in the second half of 2016.

 

Speaking at the ceremony, RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi remarked, “The High Speed Support Vessel is an important new addition to the Royal Navy of Oman fleet and a continuation of a modernization process that is reinforcing Oman’s naval capabilities and supporting the Sultan Armed Forces (SAF). The HSSV will help us fulfil our national mission to protect Omani waters and meet other joint operational support requirements, including search and rescue and humanitarian and disaster relief.”

 

“Austal is to be congratulated on a successful build program and we look forward to deploying both the AL MUBSHIR and AL NAASIR in 2016.”

 

Austal commenced construction of the two HSSV’s in August 2014, following the award of the $124.9million contract from the RNO in March 2014.

 

The unique first-of-class naval vessels are an evolution of the proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, developed for the United States Navy by Austal, now operating around the world with U.S. Military Sealift Command. The innovative design offers high speed performance, multiple-mission capability and operational flexibility and demonstrates Austal’s industry-leading ability to develop unique, customized naval solutions based on proven designs, for export markets.

 

The 38 knot, all-aluminum HSSV offers exceptional speed, maneuverability and carrying capacity (for up to 260 embarked troops and equipment and vehicles) – for a range of military operations and logistics support roles. Featuring a shallow draft of 3 meters, a 900sqm vehicle deck, 395 metric ton carrying capacity and medium-lift aviation capability (for a NH-90 helicopter), the HSSV provides support for both open ocean and coastal missions.

 

Newly-appointed Austal Chief Executive Officer, David Singleton congratulated RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi on the RNO’s strategic investment in the innovative HSSV platform - and confirmed that Austal shall provide in-service support to the RNO and the two HSSV’s through the company’s Middle East Service Centre in Muscat, Oman.

 

Singleton added, “The naming of these two high speed support vessels further demonstrates Austal’s proven capability to design, construct and support large, multiple-vessel defense programs - a position we are justifiably proud of, as we prepare to participate in the Commonwealth’s Competitive Evaluation Process to build Australia’s Offshore Patrol Vessel and Future Frigate programs for the Royal Australian Navy.”