Oman’s Square-Rigged Flagship Launched at Damen Shipyards

Named the RNOV ‘Shabab Oman,” this 87-meter sail training vessel (STV) is destined to become the flagship of the Royal Navy of Oman once delivered by Damen Shipyards in August this year.  After a transit from the Black Sea, she has just arrived at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen where her standing and running rigging will be installed, along with exterior and interior woodwork and finishings will be completed.

With 2,700 m² sail area, she will challenge the cadets and officers who will sail her while at the same time promoting cultural interaction to help ‘spread peace and harmony amongst nations as an “ambassador” for her country, according to an emailed statement from Damen.

The Royal Navy of Oman has had a strong team overseeing the build in Romania and the same team will be based in Vlissingen. Overall project management and procurement is in the hands of Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, also the company’s headquarters.

About the vessel 

Although the clipper looks like a beautiful traditional teak vessel externally, she boasts the most modern technology inside. The sail training clipper has a traditional Omani look, with elegantly hand-carved, gilded scrollwork and nameplates.

While in Vlissingen the three 50-metre steel/aluminum masts, rigging and spars will be installed, as well as the exterior teak woodwork and decking, and the interior wood lining furnishing and finish done by Hertel. The technology systems will be commissioned by Imtech Marine/Alewijnse, Johnson controls and other companies. And although she has modern cooling systems and generators, it is all about hands-on sailing, nothing is automatic.

Investing in fleet

Oman’s decision to invest in the Sail Training Vessel is in addition to its efforts to boost its naval capabilities with a fleet expansion.

Damen Project Manager Arnoud Both, comments: “The vessel is on schedule and we are very proud to be involved in such a prestigious project for the Royal Navy of Oman.”

This is Damen’s third Sail Training Vessel Clipper type order, after previously engineering and building the ‘Stad Amsterdam’ and the ‘Cisne Branco’, the Brazilian navy’s new STV. All three were designed by Dykstra Naval Architects, based in Amsterdam.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up