PNS Hunain, one of a series of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) 2600 that Damen is constructing for the Pakistan Navy, has been launched at a ceremony in Romania. Damen was awarded the contract to build the vessel, following its successful delivery of the first two vessels, PNS Yarmook and PNS Tabuk in 2020.
Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi NI (M) S BT. attended the launch ceremony, held at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, as Chief Guest alongside representatives of the Pakistan Navy as well as representatives of the Romanian Government and Navy, members of the Pakistan community in Romania, and Damen.
During a speech to mark the event, the Chief Guest acknowledged Damen’s achievement in constructing the vessel in such a short space of time, due to the company’s practice of building vessels according to proven designs. He highlighted the important role the vessel will undertake in securing maritime trade in the Indian Ocean region and providing regional stability.
Damen Regional Sales Director Stephan Stout, speaking after the launch, said, “It’s a proud moment for everyone involved in the project to see the vessel in the water for the first time. On behalf of Damen, I would like to thank the Pakistan Navy for continuing to place its trust in our company. I look forward to the commissioning phase of PNS Hunain and preparing the vessel for successful delivery and having her ready for the important work it will undertake in securing the seas of the Indian Ocean region.”
