Damen Unveils Second OPV 2600 for the Pakistan Navy: A New Era in Maritime Excellence
Damen Shipyards Group has successfully handed over the second vessel in a pair of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) 2600 to the Pakistan Navy.
The ship, named PNS Yamama, follows the earlier delivery of the PNS Hunain in the summer of 2024. This latest handover signifies a landmark event in a longstanding partnership that began with Damen’s previous construction of the two Yarmook Class vessels, which are based on the Damen OPV 1900, back in 2020. The ceremonial transfer of the PNS Yamama occurred on December 17th at Constanta in Romania.
The second series of OPVs boasts a displacement of 2600 tons and measures 98 metres in length. They are designed for a broad spectrum of maritime functions, encompassing maritime security and military operations beyond traditional warfare. The vessels are proficient and equipped to execute extended missions in challenging environments with resilience, versatility, and adaptability.
During the ceremony, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi stated, “The Offshore Patrol Vessels project is a definitive achievement not only for Pakistan but for Damen, the Galati Shipyard, and all collaborators involved in the ideation, design, production, and commissioning of the four OPVs. I am optimistic that the partnership between the Pakistan Navy and Damen will expand into new opportunities for mutual benefits.”
The OPV initiative has elevated both the Pakistan Navy and Damen to new heights of collaborative synergy across various domains. The delivery of the fourth OPV arrives at a time of growing partnership, as both parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) held in Karachi in November.
The MoU showcases Damen’s dedication to endorsing the Pakistan Maritime Science and Technology Park (PMSTP), a project recently launched by the Pakistan Navy. With the establishment of a central hub near the University of Bahria in Karachi, the PMSTP aims to stimulate collaboration among governmental entities, industry players, and researchers, promoting innovation and progress in maritime technology.
As a participant in the PMSTP, Damen will be instrumental in the creation of a local service center to offer maintenance and support services for Damen vessels operating in the region, such as the Pakistan Navy’s OPVs. Damen will engage with local enterprises on shipbuilding initiatives, utilizing the advanced design and engineering capabilities it will cultivate as a partner in the PMSTP, facilitating the joint design and development of new vessels for the Pakistan Navy.
Damen Regional Sales Director Stephan Stout remarked, “The PMSTP initiative aligns seamlessly with Damen’s operational philosophy. Wherever we function globally, we strive to partner with local governments, industries, and educational and research institutions. We believe that this approach enables our shipbuilding projects to bolster domestic industry and local employment while simultaneously fostering the growth of a robust local supply chain. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our partners in Pakistan and contributing to the advancement of a sustainable maritime industry in the nation for the long haul.”
