Islamabad, October 19, 2018: Pakistan Navy commissioned the largest indigenous constructed Fleet Tanker PNS Moawin. This is the first 17,000in tons ship constructed at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW) with the technical assistance of the Turkish Navy.
PNS Mowain Commissioning ceremony was held at Pakistan Navy Dockyard, Karachi. President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi was the chief guest. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, President Turkish Defence Industries Ismael Demir, Deputy Minister of Defence Mr Muhsin Dere, and other key Turkish officials, Federal Ministers, diplomatic community, notable civilian and military officials, the ceremony has also attended the ceremony.
PNS Moawin is the largest warship ever constructed in KSEW in collaboration with M/s Savunma Teknologiler Muhendisilik (STM) of Turkey. This is the largest export project of the Turkish Defense Industry. Pakistan also awarded STM Modernisation project of Submarine Agosta 90B.
The keel for the PNS Moawin was laid down in March 2014 and on August 20th 2016 by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif launched this fleet tanker into the sea. After the launched technical testing was conducted. Sea trail was successfully was conducted during March and April this year. Engineers of KSEW and STM were also on board during the sea trial.
The ship is capable of performing a variety of maritime operations including provision of logistic support to other ships at sea through the transfer of fuel and other important military cargo. It can carry two helicopters. The ship is also equipped with state of the art medical facilities and can provide overseas support to friendly countries during any Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
While addressing the ceremony, the President said that Pakistan is blessed with immense maritime resources which can be optimally exploited through the development of our maritime sector or the Blue Economy. The development of this sector will enhance our exports, generate employment and increase foreign exchange.
“Realization of CPEC, the maritime trade and activity off our coast will increase manifold which calls for a strong Navy to provide security and seaward defence. The government will provide all necessary resources to enhance the capability of the Pakistan Navy and help develop our maritime sector.” Arif Alvi added.
The chief guest further said that Pakistan and Turkey have time tested and deep-rooted relationship and joint ventures like PNS Moawin will further strengthen these relations and open new vistas of cooperation. The President also congratulated Ministry of Defense Production, Pakistan Navy, M/s STM of Turkey and Karachi Shipyard for constructing this 17,000-ton ship in Pakistan.
Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in his welcome address, highlighted that Pakistan Navy has been striving to achieve self-reliance in warship construction. Construction of various Naval platforms like F-22-P Frigates, submarines and Combat Support Ships in Pakistan in past and various warships and submarine construction projects planned in future will substantially enhance our shipbuilding capability.
PN Fleet Tankers
PNS Moawin is inducted into 9th Auxiliary squadron comprises 9 ships, i.e two fleet tankers, two coastal tankers, two small tankers/ Utility ships and three Mine-hunters.
This is the 3rd PN ship name as Moawain. In 1998 Vulcan-class repair ship was inducted in Pakistan Navy name as PNS Moawin. This ship was launched in 1942 as USS Hector and later handed over to Pakistan. This ship was returned to the United States in 1994 and scrapped. In 1994 a replenishment ship used by Royal Netherlands Navy inducted in Pakistan Navy fleet. This ship HNLMS Poolster was renamed as PNS Moawin. HNLMS was launched in 1963.
Currently Pakistan Navy is sealing PNS NASR, this ship was built in Dalian’ China, launched on 14 March 1987, was commissioned on 01 August 1987 and joined Pakistan Fleet on 26 August 1987. The ship is basically a Fleet Oil Tanker, which can also provide fresh/dry provisions to ships at sea. The fuelling system is completely hydraulic and automatic. The ship has the capability of accommodating all types of Naval Helicopters.
