Navy’s newest ship completes sea trials

Damen Shipyards Group of Holland yesterday announced the successful completion of sea trials for Australia’s new Multi-role Aviation Training Vessel (MATV) MV Sycamore.

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.

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.

Damen Sales Director Asia Pacific Roland Briene said the company was proud to hear that the MV Sycamore passed her first tests with flying colours.

“Based on Damen’s successful and proven OPV series, the MATV is a very versatile ship,” Mr Briene said.

In Australian service, the chief role of the vessel will be as a training platform for helicopter 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 related duties as well as unmanned aerial vehicle support.

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

In coming weeks, MV Sycamore will be prepared for her maiden voyage to her home port of Sydney, Australia, where she is expected to arrive at the end of May.

 

 

Watch the MATV 2300 sea trials – courtesy Damen

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