ISLAMABAD: Keel laying ceremony of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV-I) being built for Pakistan Navy was held at DAMEN Shipyard Galati, Romania, says a statement received here on Monday.

Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Projects), Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmad, graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Contract for two Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs-I & II) for Pakistan Navy was signed between Ministry of Defence Production and M/s DAMEN in June 2017.

These OPVs are state of the art, proficient and multi-purpose platforms of medium size and tonnage.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest highlighted the importance of OPVs Project for Pakistan Navy and their timely delivery while complying with the highest standards of construction, outfitting and performance.

Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmad also acknowledged the professional competence of DAMEN Shipyards and prospects of future cooperation in delivering cutting edge naval technologies to Pakistan Navy in the form of Offshore Patrol Vessels.

The ceremony was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Defence Production, Naval headquarters, besides senior management of M/s DAMEN Shipyards, Gorinchem and Galati.