| Specifications of RNOV Shabab Oman II | |
|---|---|
| Operations: | Naval, Sail Training |
| Class: | A |
| Rig: | Full Rigged Ship |
| Year Launched: | 2014 |
| Length Overall (LOA): | 86 Metres |
| Sail Area: | 2630 Square Metres |
| MMSI: | 461000441 |
| Permanent Crew: | 54 |
| Trainee / Passenger Berths: | 36 |
RNOV Shabab Oman II has replaced the previous ship of the same name (Shabab Oman) after the latter’s years of service with the Royal Navy of Oman, and her many memorable achievements throughout her nautical career.
Shabab Oman II’s three masts, the tallest of which soars to a height of 52 metres, carry sixteen main square sails as well as ten triangular sails located in the bow (the front part of the ship) and between the three masts. The spanker sail is situated in the aft (the rear area of the ship). There are 34 sails altogether, which cover a total area of 2,630 square metres and enable the ship to achieve a sailing speed of up to 18 knots. The new ship has a distinctive V-shaped hull, a feature similar to other world-class clippers.
Shabab Oman II is 86 metres long with a beam (width at the widest point) of 11.1 metres and a maximum depth of keel below the waterline of 5.4 metres. The accommodation quarters are spread over three decks, providing space for 54 members of the ship's crew and 36 trainees. The ship also has special separate accommodation for female trainees and for four VIPs.
RNOV Shabab Oman II was built by Damen Shipyards, whose headquarters are in the Netherlands. However, the initial phase of construction took place in Damen Shipyards, Galati, located in Romania on the south Danube.
Construction began in early 2013 after a six months phase of design and engineering. The hull of the ship was launched on 22 November 2013, and was towed down through the Black Sea, through the Bosphorus and then all the way across the Mediterranean before arriving at the Damen Shipyard in Vlissingen, Holland in January 2014. This was where the second phase of construction took place.
On 7 May 2014 the ship was officially launched and named Shabab Oman II. On 12 September 2014, the Royal Navy of Oman took delivery of the ship from Damen. Shabab Oman II then started her first long voyage from the North Sea down through the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman before arriving at Said Bin Sultan Naval Base in Oman on 16 November 2014.
The new ship is a blend of the traditional and modern. State of the art computerised communication systems and navigation equipment ensures that the ship remains safe at all times. But from her wooden decking upwards, the ship is traditional in terms of her sails and rigging.
The new ship’s distinctive V shaped hull helps her speed quickly through the water. There is no doubt that the new clipper is faster than her predecessor, Shabab Oman I’s top speed of 13 knots. But when there is no wind, the new ship’s powerful twin diesel engines ensure her safety.
A great deal of careful thought has gone into the design of the new ship using the latest 3D computer modelling techniques. For example, all major systems have been designed to continue working properly even when the ship heels over for long periods – in other words, leans at an angle due to the force of the wind.
