Marsun press release
The Ministry of Defence of Oman signed a contract on December 14th. with Marsun Public Company of Thailand to purchase several vessels. The move stems from the attention accorded by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander.
It also comes within the framework of development and modernization plans of the Ministry of Defence and the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF). It further aims to boost the capabilities of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO).
The purchase contract was signed by Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Za’abi, Secretary General at the Ministry of Defence and Patrawin Chongvisal, CEO of Marsun Public Company.
The signing ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the RNO and several senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, Oman News Agency (ONA) reported. Purchasing these vessels targets enhancing the performance and capabilities of the RNO. This also contributes to the march of comprehensive development in the Sultanate of Oman during the prosperous reign of His Majesty the Sultan, the Supreme Commander.
Established in 1980, Marsun Public Company Limited is strategically located near Bangkok at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River in Samut Prakan, approximately 30 kilometers away from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, to provide international customer convenience.
Marsun has delivered over 355 various types of vessels. These include Fast Patrol Craft, Fast Attack Missile Craft, Crew and Supply Vessels, Ferries, Motor Yachts, Oil Spill Recovery Vessels, Multi-Purpose Craft, etc. In addition, Marsun has provided consultation on design, construction and repair to meet wide-ranging requirements for both domestic and international customers.
Since 2000, the company has energetically expanded its services to supply the needs of the international marine market. The company received excellent support from Thailand’s Government Agencies, and result to this outstanding success of contract award. This mark a significant milestone, not only for the company’s future growth, but also the new face for Defence Industry and Shipbuilding Industry of Thailand.
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Naval News comments:
According to local reporting, the vessels in questions may be landing craft vessels similar to the M55 Landing Craft Utility also in service within the Royal Thai Navy – known as the Mattaphon-class. Information suggests the order of four vessels.
Mattaphon-class is a series of two LCUs (HTMS Mattaphon and HTMS Ravi) built by Marsun for the RTN, and which were commissioned in 2010. Displacing 550 tons, with a length of 55m and a beam of 11m, the LCUs have cargo capacity of 145 tons. The ships are fitted with self-protection weapons such as 20mm and 12.7mm guns.
