Austal Delivers Second High Speed Support Vessel To Royal Navy Of Oman

Austal Limited (Austal) (ASX:ASB) is pleased to announce the RNOV Al Naasir (S12) High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) has been delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman.

Less than 4 months after the successful, on-time and on-budget delivery of the RNOV Al Mubshir (S11), in May 2016, the RNOV Al Naasir (S12) is the second of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman under a US$124.9 million design, construct and integrated logistics support contract.

Austal commenced construction of the HSSV’s in August 2014 at its Henderson, Western Australia shipyard and hosted a naming ceremony for both vessels in April 2016; the RNOV Al Mubshir is now operating successfully in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

With a large, 900 square metre vehicle deck, seating capacity for 260 embarked troops and a top speed of 38 knots, the all-aluminium HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including; helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, humanitarian, disaster relief and search and rescue operations. Based on the proven 103 metre Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessel - developed by Austal for the US Navy - the HSSV offers outstanding multi-mission flexibility and is redefining naval capability.

Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said the delivery of RNOV Al Naasir (S12) was further proof of Austal’s ability to win internationally competitive export contracts and successfully deliver innovative, naval vessel programs from its Australian shipyard.

“This second HSSV reinforces Austal’s position as the Australian shipbuilder and defence prime contractor of choice, developing and delivering customised solutions based on proven design platforms to naval fleets around the world” Mr Singleton said.
“As we gear up for the 19-vessel, 40 metre Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement program at the Henderson shipyard, we continue construction on two 58 metre Cape Class Patrol Boats for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) - on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2017.”

Austal Chairman, John Rothwell AO and Captain Abdullah Al Omrani, Head of overseeing Team (HOT), RNOR (Royal Navy of Oman Representative) (Photo: Austal)

Austal Chairman, HSSV Program Management Team and RNOR Overseeing Team gathered for the Interim Acceptance ceremony for RNOV Al Naasir (S12) (Photo: Austal)

High Speed Support Vessel RNOV Al Naasir (S12) during sea trials in Western Australia. (Photo: Austal)

-ENDS-

About Austal

Austal is a global defence prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defence and commercial ships. For more than 27 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.

Ships
Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) ships for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Systems
Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems.

Support
Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.