PHOTO: Oman names new support vessels in Australia

Two high speed support vessels (HSSV) constructed by Austal for the Royal Navy of Oman have been officially named during a ceremony held at Austal’s Henderson, Australia shipyard April 15.

The first vessel – RNOV Al Mubshir (S11) – is on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2016 while the second vessel – RNOV Al Naasir – was launched this month and is to 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).”

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

The first-of-class naval vessels are an evolution of the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, developed for the United States Navy by Austal, now operating with US Military Sealift Command.

The 38 knot, all-aluminium HSSV carries up to 260 embarked troops and equipment and vehicles. Featuring a shallow draft of 3 metres, a 900sqm vehicle deck, 395 tonne carrying capacity and medium-lift aviation capability (for a NH-90 helicopter), the HSSV provides support for both open ocean and coastal missions, the Australian company said.

Photos: Austal