Royal Navy of Oman takes delivery of Damen Clipper

The Royal Navy of Oman formally accepted ownership of its new sail training vessel at a ceremony at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Vlissingen, the Netherlands. The three-masted steel clipper, named RNOV Shabab Oman II, will sail the world's oceans as an ambassador for Oman, demonstrating the country's centuries-old maritime tradition. The 87-metre vessel is Damen's third such clipper, proving the value of Damen's reliable craftsmanship and engineering.

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.