VT to supply ships to Oman

Marine support services and shipbuilding company

(VT)  has signed a contract with the Government of Oman to supply three Ocean Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the Royal Navy of Oman.

Work will start immediately on the programme with the first of the ships, which are approximately 100m long, scheduled for hand-over in early 2010 and the subsequent ships at six-month intervals. The programme is valued at around £400m over a five-year period, including initial support.

VT Group Chief Executive Paul Lester said: ‘This is a major export success for the UK and maintains the long and successful relationship we have had with the Royal Navy of Oman over the past 25 years. These ships will be the most advanced of their type in the world when they are completed.

‘The programme will supplement our work on the Royal Navy’s Type 45 destroyer and will ensure that our shipbuilding division has a very healthy workload for the next five years.’