Among the guests at the
ceremony were representatives of the Royal Navy of the Netherlands
and Omani diplomats. Speaking on behalf of the Omani Royal Navy, Commodore
Khalifa said, “This new vessel will sail around the world with
a message of peace and friendship. Thank you to Damen for building
this magnificent ship for us.”
The Dutch flag was subsequently lowered from the stern spanker line
to be replaced by the Omani Naval ensign while a local orchestra played
the Omani national anthem.
“This is a proud moment for Damen Shipyards,” said Damen
CEO René Berkvens during the ceremony. “I wish the crew
and captains of the Shabab Oman II fair winds, following seas and
many returns to port.” Mr Berkvens described the clipper as
“an extremely powerful performer – a true diamond of the
sea.”
Strong emotions
The acceptance ceremony follows the successful completion of sea trials
in late July that took place in North Sea coastal waters around Vlissingen.
“During the trials, we checked everything that cannot be tested
while moored in the harbor,” explained Damen Project Manager
Arnoud Both. Shabab Oman’s impressive 2,700 m² sail area
was also put to the test.
“The proper functioning of the sails and propulsion systems
can only be tested at sea,” explained Mr Both. “With a
total of 28 sails, and the amazing amount of standing and running
rigging involved, it was wonderful to see that everything works smoothly.
We have put two years of blood, sweat and some tears into this project
but it is all worth it because it was such a beautiful moment seeing
the ship at sea in full sail. It was a very emotional and fulfilling
experience.”
Close to the wind
Damen brought in eight of its own technical personnel and a number
of systems subcontractors for the sea trials. However, sailing such
a special vessel requires specialized expertise.
“We hired an experienced clipper captain and some of the officers
and crew members from another Damen-built clipper, the Stad Amsterdam,”
said Mr Both. The crew of the 76-metre Stad Amsterdam were enthusiastic
about the sea trials. “It was great to hear the positive feedback
from the crew about the sailing experience and handling characteristics
of the Shabab Oman II. The ship handles well and can sail closer to
the wind due to design improvements from Dykstra Naval Architects.”
Proven track record
Three different Damen yards have coordinated their construction, engineering
and naval architectural expertise to produce this high performance
sailing vessel: Damen Shipyards Gorinchem handled overall project
management and procurement while Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania
performed the major construction works, launching the clipper in December
last year. Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen then took
over with its own personnel and subcontractors carrying out final
outfitting works such as installation of the three 50-metre steel/aluminum
masts, rigging and spars as well as modern technical systems.
Damen’s proven track record in constructing traditional steel
clippers now stands strong with this third STV delivery – the
company previously having built the 74-metre CisneBranco, the Brazilian
navy’s STV, and the Stad Amsterdam.