Austal Hosts Official Naming Ceremony for Royal Navy of Oman High Speed Support Vessels

Austal has today welcomed the Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO), Rear-Admiral (RADM) Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi to the company’s Australian shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, to officially name two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) designed and built by Austal for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

Naming Ceremony for RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) and RNOV AL NAASIR (S12)

In a formal ceremony, RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi named the ships RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) and RNOV AL NAASIR (S12).

The 72m High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) during sea trials off Western Australia, March 2016.

The first vessel – RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) – is on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2016; whilst the second vessel – RNOV AL NAASIR – was launched this month and shall be delivered following further fitout, sea trials and acceptance in the second half of 2016.

Speaking at the ceremony, RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi remarked “The High Speed Support Vessel is an important new addition to the Royal Navy of Oman fleet and a continuation of a modernization process that is reinforcing Oman’s naval capabilities and supporting the Sultan Armed Forces (SAF). The HSSV will help us fulfil our national mission to protect Omani waters and meet other joint operational support requirements, including search and rescue and humanitarian and disaster relief.”

“Austal is to be congratulated on a successful build program and we look forward to deploying both the AL MUBSHIR and AL NAASIR in 2016.”

RNOV AL NAASIR (S12) launched at Austal’s Henderson Western Australia shipyard in April 2016.

Austal commenced construction of the two HSSV’s in August 2014, following the award of the US$124.9million contract from the RNO in March 2014.

The unique first-of-class naval vessels are an evolution of the proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, developed for the United States Navy by Austal, now operating around the world with US Military Sealift Command. The innovative design offers high speed performance, multiple-mission capability and operational flexibility and demonstrates Austal’s industry-leading ability to develop unique, customised naval solutions based on proven designs, for export markets.

The 38 knot, all-aluminium HSSV offers exceptional speed, manoeuvrability and carrying capacity (for up to 260 embarked troops and equipment and vehicles) – for a range of military operations and logistics support roles. Featuring a shallow draft of 3 metres, a 900sqm vehicle deck, 395 tonne carrying capacity and medium-lift aviation capability (for a NH-90 helicopter), the HSSV provides support for both open ocean and coastal missions.

Naming Ceremony for RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) and RNOV AL NAASIR (S12)

Newly-appointed Austal Chief Executive Officer, David Singleton congratulated RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi on the RNO’s strategic investment in the innovative HSSV platform - and confirmed that Austal shall provide in-service support to the RNO and the two HSSV’s through the company’s Middle East Service Centre in Muscat, Oman.

Mr Singleton added “The naming of these two high speed support vessels further demonstrates Austal’s proven capability to design, construct and support large, multiple-vessel defence programs - a position we are justifiably proud of, as we prepare to participate in the Commonwealth’s Competitive Evaluation Process to build Australia’s Offshore Patrol Vessel and Future Frigate programs for the Royal Australian Navy.”

-ENDS-

About Austal

Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. For more than 27 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships

Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems

Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support

Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.