Romanian Damen Shipyards builds clipper for Royal Oman Navy

Romanian shipyard Damen Shipyards Galati has built and launched a new sail training vessel (STV) for the Royal Navy of Oman.

Named as RNOV ‘Shabab Oman’, the flagship vessel has been launched following months of planning before being towed to Vlissingen in the Netherlands for final outfitting in December 2013.

The vessel, a full square rigged, three-masted steel clipper with a 2,700 m2 sail area, will continue to promote cultural interaction and help spread peace and harmony amongst nations, like the current STV with the same name.

The 87m long, 11m wide STV will train young Omani navy cadets and officers, and be deployed in a distinct diplomatic role and emphasize the country’s maritime tradition.

Though it resembles a traditional Omani look externally, the clipper with elegantly hand-carved, gilded scrollwork and nameplates features modern technology internally.

Hertel has completed the exterior teak woodwork and decking, and the interior wood lining furnishing and finish, while Imtech Marine/Alewijnse, Johnson Controls and other companies will commission the technology systems.

The STV, which is due to be delivered to the Ministry of Defence of Oman in August 2014, was towed through the Black Sea, Bosphorus, Mediterranean and into the Bay of Biscay before arriving at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen.

Damen Shipyards was awarded a contract for the construction of the STV and the ship’s keel laying ceremony was held at Galati in March 2013.

Image: Sail Training Vessel for Oman launched. Photo: courtesy of Damen Shipyards Group.