The Pakistan Navy has commissioned its new Corvette – a Damen OPV 1900 – named PNS Tabuk at the Port of Constanta, Romania. The ship is part of a 2 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. Like its sister vessel, PNS Tabuk is a multipurpose, highly adaptable platform, capable of performing a wide variety of operations in a complex maritime environment. It is able to launch a helicopter and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), as well as 2 RHIBs simultaneously.
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.
‘Damen has been involved in many projects in Pakistan since 1986 and we are very proud of this long-lasting and trusting cooperation,’ commented Managing Director of Damen Shipyards Galati Flemming Sorensen. 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 its service.
