(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) The Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) has formally received its new sail training vessel RNOV Shabab Oman II.
This marks the end of the long history of sailing for the original Shabab Oman which served the sultanate in promoting cultural contacts since 1983 when it took on its ambassadorial role. It was inducted into RNO fleet in 1979.
A 87m three-masted steel clipper Shahab Oman II will sail the world's oceans and is expected to carry on that role with far more greater success.
The ship was formally received by RNO at a ceremony at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen the Netherlands recently after successful sea trials.
Among the guests at the ceremony were representatives of the Royal Navy of the Netherlands and Omani diplomats.
A spokesperson of RNO at the ceremony said 'This new vessel will sail around the world with a message of peace and friendship. Thank you to Damen for building this magnificent ship for us.'
The Dutch flag was subsequently lowered from the stern spanker line to be replaced by the Omani naval insignia while a local orchestra played the Omani national anthem.
'This is a proud moment for Damen Shipyards' said René Berkvens CEO Damen during the ceremony. 'I wish the crew and captains of the Shabab Oman II fair winds following seas and many returns to port.'
Berkvens described the clipper as 'an extremely powerful performer – a true diamond of the sea'.
The acceptance ceremony follows successful completion of sea trials in late July in the North Sea coastal waters around Vlissingen.
'During the trials we checked everything that cannot be tested while moored at the harbour' explained Arnoud Both project manager Damen. Shabab Oman II's impressive 2700 m2 sail area was also put to the test.
'The proper functioning of the sails and propulsion systems can only be tested at sea' explained Both. 'With a total of 28 sails and the amazing amount of standing and running rigging involved it was wonderful to see that everything works smoothly. We have put two years of blood sweat and some tears into this project but it is all worth it because it was such a beautiful moment seeing the ship at sea in full sail. It was a very emotional and fulfilling experience.'
Damen said it brought in eight of its own technical personnel and a number of systems subcontractors for the sea trials.
'(For the sailing) we hired an experienced clipper captain and some of the officers and crew members from another Damen-built clipper the Stad Amsterdam' said Both.
The crew of the 76m Stad Amsterdam was enthusiastic about the sea trials. 'It was great to hear the positive feedback from the crew about the sailing experience and handling characteristics of the Shabab Oman II. The ship handles well and can sail closer to the wind due to design improvements from Dykstra Naval Architects.'
Three Damen yards have coordinated their construction engineering and naval architectural expertise to produce this high performance sailing vessel. Damen Shipyards Gorinchem handled the overall project management and procurement while Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania performed the major construction works launching the clipper in December last year.
Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen then took over with its own personnel and subcontractors carrying out final outfitting works such as installation of the three 50m steel/aluminim masts rigging and spars as well as modern technical systems.
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