Austal launches HSSV for Oman Navy

Austal has launched the first of two 72m High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) being built for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO), yesterday.

Hull 390 - the future RNOV Al Mubshir - was successfully launched after 13 months of construction and fitout at the company’s Henderson, Western Australia shipyard.

Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the on-schedule launching of the first HSSV demonstrates Austal’s proven capability to design, construct (and support) large, multiple naval vessel programs; locally, globally, successfully.

Mr Bellamy commented “From our defence portfolio, Austal is currently contracted to deliver ten 127m Frigate-sized Littoral Combat Ships and ten 103m Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels to the United States Navy – as well as two OPV-sized 72m High Speed Support Vessels, here in Western Australia for the Royal Navy of Oman.”

“Our track record here in Australia and overseas clearly supports Austal’s strong proposition that we can effectively and efficiently deliver the Australian Government’s Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs,” Mr Bellamy added.