ISLAMABAD – Keel Laying Ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-I) beingbuilt for Pakistan Navy was held at M/s DAMEN Shipyard Galati, Romania.

Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmad, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Projects)graced the occasion as Chief Guest, said a press release issued here byDirector General Public Relations (Navy).

Contract for two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs-I & II) for Pakistan Navywas signed between Ministry of Defence Production and M/s DAMEN in June2017.These OPVs are state of the art, proficient and multi-purpose platforms ofmedium size and tonnage.

Speaking during the ceremony of Keel Laying, the chief guest highlightedthe importance of OPVs Project for Pakistan Navy and their timely deliverywhile complying with the highest standards of construction, outfitting andperformance.

Farrokh Ahmad also acknowledged the professional competence of M/s DAMENShipyards and prospects of future cooperation in delivering cutting edgenaval technologies to Pakistan Navy in the form of Offshore Patrol Vessels.

The ceremony was also attended by officials from the Ministry of DefenceProduction, Naval headquarters, besides senior management of M/s DAMENShipyards, Gorinchem and Galati. – APP