Damen Hands Fourth Yarmook Patrol Ship to Pakistan Navy
The Pakistan Navy has recently expanded its fleet with the delivery of the fourth Yarmook-class Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), named PNS Yamama. This significant addition was made by Damen, a Dutch shipbuilding company, at its shipyard in Constanta, Romania. The contract for constructing this vessel was awarded in 2020, and after two years of assembly, the ship was launched in 2024. The PNS Yamama is set to play a crucial role in ensuring maritime security along Pakistan’s international trade routes. It will be tasked with various missions, including anti-piracy operations and addressing other maritime threats. Pakistan Navy Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi praised the project, highlighting its success for both Pakistan and Damen. He expressed confidence in the ongoing collaboration between the Pakistan Navy and Damen, suggesting that it would lead to further opportunities for mutual benefits.
Local Shipbuilding Support in Pakistan
The delivery of the PNS Yamama coincides with a broader initiative to enhance local shipbuilding capabilities in Pakistan. Last November, the Pakistani government signed a memorandum of understanding with Damen. This agreement allows the Dutch company to establish a maritime service center in Karachi, which will support the Pakistan Navy’s existing Yarmook OPVs. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to bolster the domestic maritime industry and create local job opportunities.
Damen’s Regional Sales Director, Stephan Stout, emphasized the importance of collaboration with local governments and industries. He stated that their approach aims to boost domestic industry and employment while developing a robust local supply chain. The partnership aligns with the Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park initiative, which seeks to advance the maritime sector in the country. Stout expressed optimism about working with partners in Pakistan to foster a sustainable maritime industry for the long term. This collaboration not only strengthens the Pakistan Navy but also contributes to the overall economic development of the region.
The Yarmook System
The Yarmook-class OPV, including the newly delivered PNS Yamama, is based on Damen’s 2600 hull design. This impressive vessel measures 98 meters (322 feet) in length and is equipped to carry a helicopter, unmanned aerial systems, and rigid-hull inflatable boats. With a fuel capacity of 300 cubic meters (300,000 liters), the PNS Yamama is powered by four Caterpillar diesel engines, a 450-kilowatt bow thruster, and two propellers.
The vessel boasts a top speed of 22 knots (41 kilometers or 25 miles per hour) and has a remarkable range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,112 kilometers or 6,905 miles), allowing it to operate effectively for up to 40 days without resupply. In terms of armament, the PNS Yamama is equipped with 30-millimeter and 12.7-millimeter weapon stations, surface-to-surface missile launchers, and a 20-millimeter close-in weapon system.
When compared to its predecessors, the PNS Yamama and the third Yarmook-class OPV, PNS Hunain, the first two ships in the program (which feature a 2300 hull design) are approximately 5 meters (16 feet) shorter and 600 tons (600,000 kilograms) lighter. This new addition to the fleet enhances the Pakistan Navy’s capabilities and readiness to address maritime challenges in the region.
