• The first HSSV will be delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman in early 2016. Credit: Austal
    The first HSSV will be delivered to the Royal Navy of Oman in early 2016. Credit: Austal
Close×

Austal has rolled out the first of two 72m High Speed Support Vessels (HSSV’s) being built for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) at the company’s Henderson Western Australia shipyard.

Austal CEO Andrew Bellamy said the HSSV program successfully represents Austal’s capability to deliver competitive, customised defence solutions from proven designs for both domestic and export markets.

“The rollout of the first Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)-sized HSSV not only extends Austal’s naval vessel portfolio but further demonstrates our consistency in delivering major, multiple naval vessel programs, on schedule,” Bellamy said.

Based on the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV), the HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.

Austal was awarded the $US124.9 million contract for the design, construction and integrated logistics support of the two HSSV’s in March 2014 and construction commenced in August 2014.

This first HSSV will be launched next week before undergoing final fitout and sea trials prior to delivery to the RNO early in 2016. The second HSSV is under construction and is on schedule for completion later in 2016.

comments powered by Disqus