Austal has rolled out the Royal Navy of Oman’s (RNO) first of two high-speed support vessels (HSSVs) at its Henderson Western Australia shipyard.
The HSSV is designed to support naval missions, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief missions.
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Featuring a catamaran hull design built with aluminium alloy metals, the HSSV 72 can accommodate 69 crew members, with seating for 250 personnel.
According to Austal CEO Andrew Bellamy, the HSSV programme represents the shipyard’s capability to deliver competitive, customised defence solutions from proven designs for both domestic and export markets.
Bellamy said: "The rollout of the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)-sized HSSV not only extends Austal’s naval vessel portfolio but further demonstrates our consistency in delivering major, multiple naval vessel programmes, on schedule."
The Oman Navy’s HSSVs are based on the expeditionary fast transport (EPF) platform, previously known as the joint high-speed vessel (JHSV).
The first vessel in this series will now undergo final fitout and sea trials prior to delivery to the RNO early in 2016, while delivery of the second vessel is expected to be in 2016.
In March 2014, Austal received $124.9m contract for the design, construction and integrated logistics support of the two HSSV’s.
RNO and Austal have formally approved the bridge layout for the vessels in April this year.
Recently, Austal received five contracts worth approximately $22m from the Naval Sea Systems Command to provide continuous support services to the US Navy.
