Damen Cuts Steel for Batch II Patrol Vessels of the Pakistan Navy

Damen has performed the initial welding work on the keel of first of two offshore patrol vessels ordered by the Pakistan Navy.

The steel cut ceremony took place at Damen Shipyards Galatí on October 12, 2022.

Together with the keel laying of the first vessel planned for completion, first plates of steel were cut for the construction of the second of two Damen OPV 2600 multi-mission patrol vessels. These will provide the Pakistan Navy with search and rescue capability, and allow it to play an important role in safeguarding international trade routes from piracy and other threats. The ships are equipped for extended range and performance and benefit from advanced communication systems.

This order for two more OPV vessels from Damen was issued by the Pakistan Navy following their positive experiences with two OPV’s from the Shipyard Group they already operate. The initial order for construction of two OPV’s was awarded to Damen by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan’s Ministry of Defense Production following the completion of a transparent bidding process in which Damen’s design and construction proposal was found to be the most suited for Pakistan’s maritime needs.  In February and November 2020, two OPV 2300’s were delivered. Performance and capabilities of these vessels, known in the Pakistan Navy as the Yarmook class, led to a second order. The two bigger OPV’s are planned for delivery in February and August 2024.