VT Group, Rear Admiral Salim bin Abdullah bin Rashid Al Alawi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), has officially started manufacture of the UK’s first naval shipbuilding export order for nearly ten years at VT Shipbuilding’s facilities in Portsmouth Naval Base.
Rear Admiral Salim cut the initial steel on the first of three sophisticated 99m. Ocean Patrol Vessels (OPVs) which will be built over the next four years at VT. They are believed to be the first ships ever built in the Base specifically for an overseas navy.
The RNO ships will be the most advanced OPVs in the world when they are completed, with delivery of the first ship scheduled for early 2010 and the subsequent ships following at six-monthly intervals.
The programme is valued at around £400 million, including initial support, and, with further export work for Trinidad and Tobago, has created some 200 new jobs at VT.
VT Shipbuilding Managing Director Tony Belisario explained: “This contract, together with our work for Trinidad and Tobago, confirms VT’s position as one of the world’s leading exporters of naval ships.
“The ships are highly impressive state-of-the-art OPVs which will considerably enhance the capability of the RNO. They also extend our close relationship with Oman. VT has built ships for the RNO for more than 30 years and we look forward to delivering this next generation of vessels that will help the Navy to protect the Oman coastline.”
The OPV design is a versatile ship that has good self-defence capability against both surface and air threats and incorporates high levels of redundancy and survivability.
Particular consideration has been given to both helicopter and small boat operations. The flight deck and hangar have been designed to suit a medium-sized helicopter providing a comprehensive organic capability. The flight deck is also capable of carrying a 12-tonne helicopter.
Main propulsion will be provided by an arrangement of two diesel engines giving a speed of a speed of 25 knots.
The latest stealth features have been included in the design with defensive capability offered by surveillance radar, ESM and data link. The ship has the deterrent capability to engage surface targets from fast patrol boat size and upwards by utilising weapons including medium calibre guns from 76-30mm, SSM systems and Shorads, supported by a comprehensive weapons management system.
A key element of the design is a high standard of crew accommodation and the ship includes an active fin stabilisation system to provide reduced motions, thus enhancing the effectiveness of both the crew and ship systems. In addition, it incorporates a “RAM” bow which delivers improved fuel economy and further enhances seakeeping performance.
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