High Speed Support Vessel Delivered to Oman Navy
The 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) during sea trials off Western Australia, March 2016. (Photo: Austal)
Presentation of the Builders Plaque for the 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11). (Photo: Austal)
Signing of the Interim Acceptance Certificate for the 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11). (Photo: Austal)
Signing of the Interim Acceptance Certificate for the 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11). (Photo: Austal)
RNOV Al Mubshir, the first of two 72-meter High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs) to be built by Austal Limited for the Royal Navy of Oman under a $124.9 million design, construct and integrated logistics support contract, has been delivered.
Austal commenced construction of the HSSVs in August 2014 at its Henderson, Western Australia shipyard, with the second HSSV scheduled to be delivered later in CY2016, in line with the contract.
According to the shipbuilder, the HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, and search and rescue operations. The vessels are expected to be deployed with a similar mission to the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) program. Austal manufactures the 103-meter EPF at its shipyard in Mobile, Ala.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said delivery of RNOV Al Mubshir was delivered on schedule and within budget.
“Construction of the second HSSV is progressing well and on track for delivery to the Royal Navy of Oman later this year,” Singleton added.
“Meanwhile, the Henderson shipyard is also busy with construction of two further Cape Class Patrol Vessels valued at $63 million, which will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy, as well as design work for the recently awarded $305 million Pacific Patrol Boats Replacement Project.”
