Royal Navy of Oman receives second high speed support vessel

Australian shipbuilder Austal has delivered the second high speed support vessel (HSSV) RNOV Al Naasir (S12) to the Royal Navy of Oman.

RNOV Al Naasir was delivered less than 4 months after the delivery of the RNOV Al Mubshir (S11), in May 2016 under a US$124.9 million design, construct and integrated logistics support contract.

Austal commenced construction of the HSSV’s in August 2014 at its Henderson, Western Australia shipyard and hosted a naming ceremony for both vessels in April 2016.

According to Austal, the RNOV Al Mubshir is now operating in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

With a 900 square metre vehicle deck, seating capacity for 260 embarked troops and a top speed of 38 knots, the all-aluminium HSSV allows for helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, humanitarian, disaster relief and search and rescue operations.

“This second HSSV reinforces Austal’s position as the Australian shipbuilder and defence prime contractor of choice, developing and delivering customised solutions based on proven design platforms to naval fleets around the world”, Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said.

“As we gear up for the 19-vessel, 40 metre Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement program at the Henderson shipyard, we continue construction on two 58 metre Cape Class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) – on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2017.”