2 Jun 2025

Damen welcomes back Shabab Oman II

Tall ship undergoes maintenance programme to prepare her for the years ahead

Rick van de Weg
4 MIN
Damen welcomes back Sail Training Vessel Shabab Oman II top

Damen has completed an extensive maintenance programme on the Royal Navy of Oman’s Sail Training Vessel Shabab Oman II. The work provides the Tall Ship with a series of upgrades and prepares her for her duties in the coming decade.

Sending a team from its UAE based service hub to Oman, Damen executed a full refit of technical spares, renewal of standing rigging and three generators, as well as overhaul and maintenance of all critical systems on board on the Shabab Oman II. This included work to the vessel’s propulsion line, bilge, firefighting equipment, cooling water and power generation systems. The project execution was assisted by Damen Services’ familiarity with the vessel, having previously provided parts and services to the Shabab Oman II.

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Long-term relationship

The Ministry of Defence of Oman selected Damen  to perform the work scope based on the excellent relationship that exists between the Ministry and the Royal Navy of Oman and Damen. 

Previously, Damen has provided the Shabab Oman II with its initial spare parts package, warranty support, woodwork maintenance, rigging maintenance and the replacement of a chilled water unit.

Iconic tall ship

Luca Lietaert, Service Hub Manager of Damen Services Middle East, said, “We were delighted to welcome the Shabab Oman II back to Damen and very grateful to the Ministry of Defence of Oman for their continued trust. This graceful and iconic vessel performs a crucial role, facilitating training and education that helps people to get the best from themselves and their careers. We are proud to be able to support this important work.”

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On tour

Damen delivered the Shabab Oman II to the navy in 2014. The vessel was built at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania, before being towed to Vlissingen in the Netherlands for outfitting. In addition to her role as a training vessel to various departments within the Ministry of Defence, the vessel is used for educational purposes for students from universities all the world.

The Shabab Oman II also takes parts in sail racing events, such as Kiel Week in Germany, as well as representing Oman at sailing festivals. Upon completion of her maintenance programme at Damen Services Middle East, the vessel embarked upon a tour that will see her call at fourteen different countries in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, participating in a race. She will also take part in this year’s Sail Amsterdam in the Netherlands, of which Damen is proud to be a supporting partner. The event will take place between 20th and 24th August. Shabab Oman II will return to Oman at the end of October 2025.