Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards Group has announced the successful completion of sea trials of the Multi-role Aviation Training Vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore.

The sea trials included testing of all on-board military systems. Following final vessel handover, MV Sycamore will perform diverse training and support duties for the Royal Australian Navy, said a statement from the company.

In addition to the more traditional elements of sea trials such as manoeuvring and speed tests, the MV Sycamore was put through her paces with an extensive testing programme of all on-board military systems, it said.

This included testing of the air traffic radar, flight deck lighting and firefighting, flight deck communication systems and helicopter traverse installation procedures.

The results of the sea trials were successful. All systems and processes of the vessel were accepted by representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia, it added.

Roland Briene, sales director Asia Pacific, Damen, said: “We are proud to hear that the MV Sycamore has passed her first tests with flying colours.”

“Based on our company’s successful and proven OPV series, the MATV is a very versatile ship,” he said.

The chief role of the vessel will be to provide a training platform for all possible helicopter-related operations, such as helicopter deck landings and take off, helicopter (in-flight) refuelling operations and air traffic control.

However, Damen’s versatile MATV design will enable the Royal Australian Navy to accomplish numerous other secondary tasks also. To this end, the MV Sycamore will be able to undertake torpedo and mine recovery operations, navigation training, dive support, officer sea familiarisation, target towing and consort duties as well as unmanned aerial vehicle support.

Furthermore, the 94-m-long vessel has a large storage capacity, which gives her the potential to be mobilised in humanitarian relief operations.

The coming weeks will see the MV Sycamore being prepared for her maiden voyage to her home port of Sydney, Australia, where she is expected to arrive at the end of May, it said.

Briene added: “We are making headway towards our ambitions of building further vessels for the Australian Navy, having recently submitted out tender for the SEA 1180 Program.”

“It is our intention to work in close concert with local industry for the project, building not only the required vessels, but a sustainable shipbuilding industry for Australia with strong export potential,” he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service