(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Dignitaries from Oman were present in the Netherlands to witness the naming ceremony of RNOV Shabab Oman II, a sail training clipper undergoing final stages of construction at Dutch firm Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding.
The ceremony, which took place on Thursday, marked the formal naming of the vessel ahead of its induction into the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).
The 87m long steel-hulled vessel is a three-mast, full square rigger built to 19th century design principles, but benefiting from 21st century technology and comfort.
Featuring a fully unfurled sail area of 2,700sq m, the vessel can accommodate 34 navy recruits plus a 58-strong crew.
Shabab Oman II will replace a vessel of the same name, fulfilling its training role while acting as a roving emissary promoting Oman's long maritime tradition to people across the world.
Arnoud Both, project manager, Damen said, ''This is a clipper with an Arabic touch. Our design partners toured Oman seeking inspiration for its interiors and furnishing. Finishing touches include hand-carved teak at the bow, teak palm leaves at the stern, and gilded interior woodwork. This is a training ship equipped to the most modern standards.''
The clipper was principally constructed at Damen Shipyards in Galati, Romania, then towed to the Vlissingen yard in the Netherlands where the 50m steel and aluminium masts, rigging and spars were installed and finishing works undertaken.
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