Thai shipbuilder Marsun and the Ministry of Defence of Sultanate of Oman held a steel-cutting ceremony for new the new Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) project for the Royal Navy of Oman.
Marsun press release
Marsun Public Company Limited holds the first steel-cutting ceremony marking the commencement of construction for four new Landing Craft Mechanized (LCM) vessels ordered by the Ministry of Defence of the Sultanate of Oman. The ceremony is presided over by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al Zaabi, Secretary-General of Oman’s Ministry of Defence.
This ceremony represents a pivotal milestone in the agreement signed on December 10, 2024, between Marsun and the Ministry of Defence of Oman. The contract covers the design, construction, and delivery of four advanced landing craft mechanized vessels aimed at significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). This initiative is part of Oman’s broader military modernization program aimed at enhancing national security and maritime capabilities. Additionally, this project includes a localization program designed to promote technology transfer, skill development, and self-sufficiency within Oman’s defense sector.
Distinguished guests attending the ceremony include Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser AL Rahbi – Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman and senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence of Oman, H.E. Issa Abdulla bin Al Alawi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Thailand, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy of Oman. The delegates attended the ceremony from Thailand include Admiral Pasukree Wilairak, Representative of the Commander-in-Chief, Royal Thai Navy; General Wattana Chatrattanasaeng, Director of the Defence Industry and Energy Centre and Representative of the Office of The Permanent Secretary for Defence, Miss Sasirit Tangulrat, Director-General, Department of South Asian, Middle East and African Affairs, amongst other esteemed senior officials and delegates. This event underscores the robust bilateral relations between Thailand and Oman and highlights Marsun’s dedication to providing world-class maritime solutions.
Founded in 1980, Marsun Public Company has successfully delivered over 355 vessels globally, including Fast Assault Boats, High-Speed Patrol Boats, Fast Attack Missile Crafts, Landing Craft Utility (LCU), Patrol Gun Boats, Crew Boats for Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration, Crew Transfer Vessels for Offshore Windfarms, Tug Boats, Sailing Yachts and many more.
The company takes great pride in being Thailand’s top shipbuilder for specialized and high-performance vessels and being one of the top shipyards in the global arena. The proven track record and success demonstrate its capability to meet or exceed contractual specifications, adhere to delivery schedules, and ensure that each vessel mission with excellence.
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Naval News comments:
The contract for this project was inked on December 14th, 2024. 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.
