ST Marine delivers second Al-Ofouq-class patrol vessel to Oman Navy

The second Al-Ofouq class of PVs, RNOV Shinas, measures 75m in length and displaces approximately 1,250t. Photo ST Marine

14 September 2015 naval-technology.com

Singapore Technologies Marine (ST Marine) has delivered the second of the four Al-Ofouq-class patrol vessels, RNOV Shinas, to the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).

The new vessels are aimed to replace the RNO's current four Seeb-class patrol vessels commissioned in the early 1980s.

ST Marine president NG Sing Chan said: "ST Marine and the Royal Navy of Oman are again proud that we have achieved this 'Double Milestones, Double Happiness' together.

Based on ST Marine's Fearless-class patrol vessels, which are used by the Republic of Singapore Navy, each 246ft-long Al-Ofouq-class vessel will provide a maximum cruise speed of more than 23mph, while offering a 1,000m range at 17mph.

In addition, the vessels will be armed with a modern weapon and combat management system and will be suitable for maritime and homeland security missions such as undertaking extended surveillance patrols of the Sultanate Exclusive Economic Zone.

The new vessels will also feature Tacticos combat management system (CMS), the Variant surveillance radar and STIR 1.2 EO Mk2 radar E/O tracking system, as well as the ESM system.

In addition, ST Marine also christened the third patrol vessel, RNOV Sadh.

"Today is a day for us to celebrate and also a moment for us to reflect and thank our partners and colleagues."

The Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman awarded a $699.4m contract to ST Marine for the construction of these patrol vessels in 2012.

Currently, Austal Australia is constructing two 72m-long high-speed support vessels (HSSVs) for the Oman Navy.

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.

Delivery of the vessels is expected to take place in 2016.