Pakistan Navy Commissions Offshore Patrol Vessel PNS Yamama in Romania
— December 18, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Pakistan Navy commissioned its new Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), PNS Yamama, during a ceremony at Constanta Port, Romania. Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, the Chief Guest, formally handed over the Command Scroll to the vessel’s Commanding Officer, according to a press release issued by the Directorate General Public Relations (Pak Navy) on Wednesday.
The event was attended by Rear Admiral Marian Ciobotaru, Deputy Fleet Commander of the Romanian Navy, and Pakistan’s Ambassador to Romania, Arshad Jaan Pathan.
In his address, Vice Admiral Abbasi highlighted the strategic importance of PNS Yamama, emphasising how the state-of-the-art vessel enhances the Pakistan Navy’s operational capabilities across a range of maritime missions. He noted that the platform represents a significant leap forward in safeguarding Pakistan’s maritime interests.
Earlier this year, the Navy inducted the first ship of OPV Batch II on 6 September 2024. PNS Yamama is the final vessel of this batch, constructed at Damen Shipyards, Galati, Romania.
The ship, described as versatile and agile, features advanced electronic warfare, anti-ship, and anti-air systems. It is also equipped to operate a multi-role helicopter, enabling independent operations or integration into a task force for extended missions.
Vice Admiral Abbasi commended Damen Shipyards for its professionalism and innovation, expressing optimism for continued collaboration to deliver cutting-edge naval technologies.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from Pakistan, Romania, and the Netherlands, along with members of the Pakistani community.