Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards has started the construction of two offshore patrol vessel for the Pakistan Navy.
Marking the start of the construction of a second batch of OPVs for the Pakistan Navy, the chief of staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi started the steel cutting of the second vessel at Damen Shipyards Galatí on 12 October. The keel of the first vessel was laid shortly before.
Together with the keel laying of the first vessel planned for completion, the first plates of steel were cut for the construction of the second of two Damen OPV 2600 multi-mission patrol vessels. These ships are expected to provide the Pakistan Navy with a highly effective search and rescue capability.
Furthermore, they will allow the navy to play an important role in safeguarding international trade routes from piracy and other threats. The ships are equipped for extended range and performance and benefit from advanced communication systems.
This order for two more OPV vessels from Damen was issued by the Pakistan Navy following the contract with two OPVs from the Shipyard Group they already operate.
The initial order for the construction of two OPVs was awarded to Damen by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production following the completion of a transparent bidding process.
In February and November 2020, two OPV 2300 were delivered. Performance and capabilities of these vessels, known in the Pakistan Navy as the Yarmook class, led to the second order. The two bigger OPVs are planned for delivery in February and August 2024.
The Admiral underscored the importance of OPVs in the maritime domain in his speech at the ceremony.
These ships will act as force multipliers in enhancing the navy’s capability of safeguarding maritime frontiers and will offer more flexibility for the Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) in the Indian Ocean.
The Pakistan Navy has been playing its role in providing a secure sea environment, not only to Pakistan but also to the world community.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Pakistan Navy, the Romanian Navy and local administration of the city of Galatí as well as directors from Damen Shipyards.