The first of three Project Khareef ships being built for the Royal Navy of Oman by BAE Systems has completed her initial sea trials. The corvette, RNOV Al Shamikh, put to sea in freezing conditions, with a combined shipyard and RNO crew spending a week putting the ship through her paces.
The shakedown involved extensive speed, propulsion and manoeuvrability trials in the English Channel. Further trials, including the task of integrating the weapons systems, are planned for early 2011 prior to handover later in the year. Al Shamikh and her crew will then undergo Flag Officer Sea Training before the ship sails to Oman. AlRahmani, the second in the class, will also be trialled this year. The final ship, Al Rasikh, will be launched in February.
