Unveiling the Future: Pakistan Navy’s Cutting-Edge Offshore Patrol Vessel Debuts at Damen Shipyards Galati

On 12 September 2023, Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania conducted a launching ceremony for the PNS Hunain, a notable addition to the series of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) 2600 that Damen is fabricating for the Pakistan Navy. Damen secured the contract for this vessel following their successful handover of the initial two ships, PNS Yarmook and PNS Tabuk in 2020.

Present at the occasion as the Chief Guest was Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi NI (M) S BT, Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy. The event also saw participation from various representatives of the Pakistan Navy, officials from the Romanian Government and Navy, members of the Pakistani community in Romania, and personnel from Damen.

In his address at the event, the Chief Guest recognized Damen’s accomplishment in constructing the vessel in such a brief timeframe; a testament to the company’s commitment to building vessels based on tried-and-true designs. He emphasized the significant role this vessel will play in safeguarding maritime commerce in the Indian Ocean region, contributing to regional stability.

Damen’s Chief Operations Officer, Marc van Heyningen, also made a statement during the ceremony, expressing gratitude to the Admiral for his presence and underscoring the enduring partnership between Damen and the Pakistan Navy.

Damen Regional Sales Director Stephan Stout remarked following the launch, “It’s a moment of pride for all those involved in this project to witness the vessel in the water for the first time. On behalf of Damen, I extend my thanks to the Pakistan Navy for their ongoing trust in our organization. I eagerly await the commissioning phase of PNS Hunain and the preparation needed for its successful delivery, ensuring it is equipped for the crucial mission of securing the waters of the Indian Ocean region.”