Austal Delivered 2nd High Speed Support Vessel RNOV Al Naasir to Royal Navy of Oman

: Posted On Monday, 12 September 2016 08:38

Naval Industry News - Australia, Oman

Austal Delivered 2nd High Speed Support Vessel RNOV Al Naasir to Royal Navy of Oman

Austal Limited (Austal) is pleased to announce the RNOV Al Naasir (S12) High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) has been delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman. Less than 4 months after the successful, on-time and on-budget delivery of the RNOV Al Mubshir (S11), in May 2016, the RNOV Al Naasir (S12) is the second of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman under a US$124.9 million design, construct and integrated logistics support contract.

The 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL Naasir (S12) during sea trials off Western Australia, Picture: Austal

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; the RNOV Al Mubshir is now operating successfully in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

With a large, 900 square metre vehicle deck, seating capacity for 260 embarked troops and a top speed of 38 knots, the all-aluminium HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including; helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, humanitarian, disaster relief and search and rescue operations. Based on the proven 103 metre Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel - developed by Austal for the US Navy - the HSSV offers outstanding multi-mission flexibility and is redefining naval capability.

Austal Chairman, John Rothwell AO and Captain Abdullah Al Omrani, Head of overseeing Team (HOT), RNOR (Royal Navy of Oman Representative) (Photo: Austal)

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the delivery of RNOV Al Naasir (S12) was further proof of Austal’s ability to win internationally competitive export contracts and successfully deliver innovative, naval vessel programs from its Australian shipyard.

“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” Mr 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.”