Damen Delivers Second Offshore Patrol Vessel to Pakistan Navy
Damen Shipyards Group has successfully delivered the second of two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) 2600 to the Pakistan Navy. This vessel, named PNS Yamama, follows the earlier delivery of PNS Hunain in the summer of 2024. The handover ceremony took place on December 17 at Constanta, Romania. This delivery signifies a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between Damen and the Pakistan Navy, which began with the construction of two Yarmook Class vessels in 2020. The latest OPVs are designed for various maritime operations, enhancing the capabilities of the Pakistan Navy.
Enhanced Capabilities of the OPV 2600
The OPV 2600 series boasts impressive specifications. Each vessel has a displacement of 2,600 tons and measures 98 meters in length. These vessels are specifically designed to conduct a wide range of maritime operations, including maritime security and military operations other than war. Their design allows for sustained operations in contested environments, showcasing resilience, flexibility, and adaptability. This makes them suitable for various missions, from patrolling territorial waters to engaging in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
During the handover ceremony, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi emphasized the success of the Offshore Patrol Vessels project. He stated, “The Offshore Patrol Vessels project is an ultimate success not only for Pakistan but for Damen, the Galati Shipyard, and all co-makers involved in the conception, design, construction, and commissioning of the four OPVs.” His remarks highlight the collaborative effort that has gone into the project and the potential for future cooperation between the Pakistan Navy and Damen. This partnership is expected to yield further advancements in maritime capabilities for Pakistan.
Strengthening Maritime Collaboration
The delivery of the PNS Yamama comes at a time of increasing collaboration between the Pakistan Navy and Damen. In November, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) in Karachi. This MoU signifies Damen’s commitment to supporting the Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP), an initiative recently launched by the Pakistan Navy. The PMSTP aims to create a central hub for collaboration among authorities, industry, and researchers, focusing on innovation in maritime technology.
As part of its role in the PMSTP, Damen will help establish a local service center to provide maintenance and support for Damen vessels operating in the region, including the Pakistan Navy’s OPVs. Damen plans to collaborate with local businesses on shipbuilding projects, leveraging its advanced design and engineering capabilities. This partnership will enable the joint design and development of new vessels tailored to the needs of the Pakistan Navy. Damen Regional Sales Director Stephan Stout expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “The PMSTP initiative aligns well with Damen’s way of working. We believe that our shipbuilding projects can boost domestic industry and local employment while facilitating the development of a strong local supply chain.” This commitment to collaboration underscores Damen’s dedication to advancing a sustainable maritime industry in Pakistan for the long term.
