Austal delivers first HSSV to Oman's Navy
Austal Limited (Austal) has delivered on time and on budget the RNOV Al Mubshir to the Royal Navy of Oman. The RNOV Al Mubshir is the first of two 72 metre High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs) to be delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman under a US$124.9 million design, construct and integrated logistics support contract, the shipbuilding company said in a press release.
Austal commenced construction of the HSSVs in August 2014 at its Henderson, Western Australia shipyard, with the second HSSV scheduled to be delivered later in CY2016, in line with the contract.
The HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, and search and rescue operations. The vessels are expected to be deployed with a similar mission to the U.S. Navy’s Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) program. Austal manufactures the 103-metre EPF at its shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said delivery of RNOV Al Mubshir on schedule and within budget reflected Austal’s international competitiveness and its capability to design, construct and export high-value defence vessels to new markets from its Australia shipyard.
“Construction of the second HSSV is progressing well and on track for delivery to the Royal Navy of Oman later this year. “Meanwhile, the Henderson shipyard is also busy with construction of two further Cape Class Patrol Vessels valued at $63 million, which will be deployed by the Royal Australian Navy, as well as design work for the recently awarded $305 million Pacific Patrol Boats Replacement Project,” Mr. Singleton said.
About Austal
Henderson-headquartered Austal was founded in 1988 and is today a world leader in the design and construction of customized aluminum defense and commercial vessels. With shipyards in Western Australia, the United States of America (Mobile, Alabama) and Balamban, Philippines, Austal has delivered more than 220 vessels for customers around the world. Austal’s product range includes passenger and vehicle-passenger ferries, patrol boats, theatre support vessels, combat ships, multi-role vessels and luxury private live-aboards. Austal is also an established provider of worldwide vessel maintenance and management services.
