The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) and Austal have formally approved the bridge layout for two 72m-long high-speed support vessels (HSSVs), which are currently under construction at the company’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
In March 2014, Austal was awarded a $124.9m contract to design, construct and provide integrated logistics support for the two HSSVs.
The Oman Navy vessels with hull numbers 390 and 391 are being designed and constructed at Austal Australia’s Henderson shipyard, with delivery of both vessels expected to take place in 2016.
RNO commander rear admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi said: "It was very rewarding to see the progress and quality of the vessel under construction. It is testament to the working relationship between ourselves and Austal and I hope this will continue until acceptance of the vessels."
Featuring a catamaran hull design built with aluminium alloy metals, the HSSV 72 can accommodate 69 crew members, with seating for 250 personnel.
The HSSV 72 vessel is intended for the transportation of military personnel and cargo, and can support helicopter operations. It can also be deployed in search and rescue, and humanitarian relief operations.
In addition to the HSSVs for the RNO, Austal is building eight Cape-class patrol boats for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Austal USA has also been awarded a contract for the design and construction of ten littoral combat ships and ten joint high speed vessels for the US Navy.
Image: Rear admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi with members of the Royal Navy of Oman and Austal. Photo: courtesy of Austal.
