Wednesday 29 / October / 2025
Al Musannah: The Royal Navy of Oman's vessel RNOV Shabab Oman II returned to homeport on Wednesday following the successful completion of its seventh international voyage, "Glories of the Seas 2025." The vessel conducted an extensive tour of European ports, showcasing Oman's rich maritime heritage and disseminating messages of international friendship and peace, in direct alignment with national strategic objectives and the implementation framework of "Oman Vision 2040".
To mark this occasion, the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO) hosted an official reception ceremony for Shabab Oman II at the Said Bin Sultan Naval Base, under the auspices of Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance.
The ceremony featured comprehensive visual presentations documenting the vessel's voyage milestones, operational achievements, and international recognitions obtained during the "Glories of the Seas 2025" mission. The event included musical performances by the RNO Band, enhancing the ceremonial proceedings.
Following ceremonial protocols, the vessel commenced docking procedures at its designated berth within the naval base. The Minister of Finance and distinguished guests received a detailed operational briefing covering the ship's navigation route, strategic national objectives, and port engagements throughout the voyage.
Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance, commended the vessel's significant national role in promoting international peace, brotherhood, and diplomatic friendship. "Shabab Oman II serves as a floating diplomatic ambassador, representing Oman's historical achievements, contemporary progress, and future aspirations across global maritime communities," stated Al Habsi.
Rear Admiral Saif bin Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, emphasized the voyage's strategic significance: "The 'Glories of the Seas 2025' mission effectively communicated Oman's enduring message of peace to international communities, demonstrating our nation's rich maritime heritage while promoting universal values of friendship and cooperation across all port engagements."
Lt. Commander Issa bin Saleem Al Jahwari, Commanding Officer of Shabab Oman II, provided operational details: "Our vessel navigated 15,300 nautical miles across European waters, conducting diplomatic engagements in 15 countries and 24 international ports. The mission successfully advanced strategic objectives within the 'Oman Vision 2040', particularly supporting sustainable environmental stewardship and international community engagement."
The ceremony gathered numerous government dignitaries, including ministers, senior military and security commanders, members of the State Council and Shura Council, retired flag officers, international ambassadors accredited to Oman, military attachés from friendly nations and specially invited guests.
During its seventh international deployment, Shabab Oman II achieved exceptional recognition, including: Best Ship honors in the crew parade at Le Havre's maritime festival (France); Second Place overall in sports competitions at Dunkirk (France); Third Place among Class A sailing vessels and Fourth Place overall in the Tall Ships Races 2025 second stage; Best Ship designation in Aberdeen (Scotland); crew victory in sports competitions at Kristiansand's maritime festival (Norway); and Best Ship in Port during the Tall Ships Races 2025 third stage conclusion in Kristiansand.
Additional accolades include the International Friendship Award at Esbjerg's Tall Ships Races (Denmark); crew championships in football and volleyball competitions; individual shooting competition victory at Bremerhaven Sail festival (Germany); and the Ambassadors' Sea Cup during the Amsterdam Sail festival (Netherlands).
