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Dutch defence and shipbuilding company Damen Shipyards Group has announced the successful completion of sea trials of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) new Multi-role Aviation Training Vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore.
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Following on from the final vessel handover, Damen said MV Sycamore will perform diverse training and support duties for the RAN.
In addition to the more traditional elements of sea trials such as manoeuvring and speed tests, the Dutch company said MV Sycamore was put through her paces with an extensive testing program of all onboard military systems. 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, with all systems and processes accepted by representatives of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Damen Asia-Pacific sales director Roland Briene said the firm is pleased with the results of the 94-metre long vessel during the sea trials.
"We are proud to hear that the MV Sycamore has passed her first tests with flying colours," Mr Briene said.
"Based on Damen's successful and proven OPV series, the MATV is a very versatile ship."
Damen also added that the MATV will enable the RAN to accomplish numerous other secondary tasks, such as undertaking torpedo and mine recovery operations, navigation training, dive support, officer sea familiarisation, target towing and consort duties, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle support.
The storage capacity of the vessel provides the RAN with the option to mobilise the vessel in humanitarian relief operations.
The Dutch company spoke of its future in Australia, with Mr Briene saying the firm is making progress on its SEA 1180 Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) tender.
"We are making headway towards our ambitions of building further vessels for the Australian Navy, having recently submitted our tender for the SEA 1180 Program," he said.
"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."
The SEA 1180 project will see the production of 12 OPVs, two of which will be built in South Australia and 10 in Western Australia.
Damen and German companies Fassmer and Lürssen Werft GmbH & Co KG are the three firms shortlisted for tender on the project.
