According to a press release published on November 12, 2020, on 12th November 2020, the Pakistan Navy commissioned its new Corvette – a Damen OPV 1900 (Offshore Patrol Vessel) – named PNS Tabuk at the Port of Constanta, Romania. The ship is part of a two vessel order with Damen, signed by the Pakistan Ministry of Defence in 2017. Both ships are built at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. The first vessel, PNS Yarmook, joined the Pakistan Navy’s fleet in February this year.
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PNS Tabuk during sea trials. (Picture source Damen)
Like her sister's vessel, PNS Tabuk is a Damen OPV 1900 multipurpose, highly adaptable platform, capable of performing a wide variety of operations in a complex maritime environment. She is able to launch a helicopter and a UAV, as well as two RHIBs simultaneously.
The Damen OPV 1900 has a hull-length of 90 m, a maximum speed of 22 knots, and a full-load displacement of 1,900 tons. The ship can launch two high-speed RHIBs of 11.5 meters and 6.5 meters simultaneously and also has the capability to accommodate two TEUs for special mission-based operations. The rear deck of the ship is able to transport both a helicopter and a UAV.
During the commissioning, the delegates – which included many attending the event remotely due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic – were addressed by the commanding officer of PNS Tabuk, Captain Muhammad Umair. The Captain acknowledged Damen’s professional competency during the project and expressed confidence in future cooperation.
Managing director of Damen Shipyards Galati Flemming Sorensen, speaking at the event, said, “Damen has been involved in many projects in Pakistan since 1986 and we are very proud of this long-lasting and trusting cooperation.”
He stated that the successful outcome of the project was the result of a close cooperation between all involved.
“Such an achievement is only possible with good coordination, skillful workmanship, excellent teamwork and good cooperation between all parties involved. Despite the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, the Pakistan, Romanian and Dutch project teams have managed, with perseverance, to continue their work to successful completion.”
Damen will continue to provide support to PNS Tabuk during her service.
