Turkish-designed Pakistani navy ship makes maiden trip

By Gokhan Ergocun

ANKARA

A Turkish-designed navy vessel for the Pakistani army successfully completed its first sea trial, the designer firm said Thursday.

Pakistani Navy fleet tanker PNS MOAWIN -- designed by Turkish defense contractor STM and constructed by Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works -- has embarked on its maiden voyage on March 31, STM said on its website.

Ship crew, shipyard personnel, 30 STM staff and representatives from several Turkish companies attended the 158-meter ship's first sea trip, STM said on its website.

"The results achieved in the trials of the vessel, which is the first of its kind in its class in terms of its brand-new design, and in which many local industrial products have been used, are a source of pride for the Pakistan-Turkey defense cooperation," it added.

The fleet tanker project contract was signed on January 22, 2013.

"The project is the first in the naval ship construction between two friendly and brotherly countries, Pakistan and Turkey, and a very important, distinguished and unique co-operation project in the field of defense and shipbuilding industry," the STM said.

The tanker has a displacement tonnage of 16,400 tons and can speed up to 20 knots per hour (around 37 kilometers or 23 miles per hour).