Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) has announced the interim acceptance ceremony for the Royal Oman Navy’s (RNO) fourth and final Al-Ofouq-class patrol vessel (PV), RNOV Khassab.
In April 2012, the company received an S$880m (€534.8) contract from Oman Sultanate’s Ministry of Defence to build and deliver four Al-Ofouq-class PVs.
The PVs are set to replace the Oman navy’s existing four Seeb-class vessels, which were commissioned into service in the early 1980s.
ST Marine president NG Sing Chan said: "It marks the end of the local project phase and while we will continue to serve the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) as they prepare and fully operationalise these fine vessels, we also commence to bid a fond farewell to the RNO project team that had been with us for the past four years."
Designed based on ST Marine’s 75m-long Fearless-class PVs, the Al-Ofouq-class vessels have a displacement capacity of approximately 1,250t and can accommodate a crew of 60.
The PV is fitted with a flight deck to support medium lift-helicopter operations, and is equipped with modern weapons and sensors, including a combat management system.
Royal Navy of Oman commander rear admiral Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah al-Raisi said: "This class of vessels came as a new addition and essential of RNO fleet, as part of RNO’s development under the wise leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Supreme Commander of the Sultan’s Armed Forces.
"Also, we hope that this project will be the milestone to extend the joint military cooperation with the friendly Republic of Singapore."
RNOV Al Seeb was the first PV to be delivered in March 2015, followed by the handover of the second vessel, RNOV Shinas, which completed live firing trials in November of the same year.
The third vessel, RNOV Sadh, was delivered in March this year and it completed live firing trials in April.
Image: A series of four patrol vessels designed and built by ST Marine for the Royal Navy of Oman. Photo: courtesy of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd.
