The Croatian Navy’s second Omiš-class coastal patrol ship, the “Umag” (OOB-32), has formally joined the fleet during a handover and naming ceremony held in Split.
Built to support the navy’s Inshore Patrol Vessel modernization program, the ship will be used for surveillance and protection missions of the country’s maritime territory.
The Umag is part of a contract signed in December 2014 between the Croatian defense ministry and Brodosplit Shipyard to construct a series of five Omiš-class vessels worth 385 million kuna ($54.6 million).
It is named after the city of Umag in the country’s west, considered the “gateway to Europe.”
“The patrol ship ‘Umag’ is the pride of the Croatian Navy and the Republic of Croatia, which plays a key role in preserving the border, integrity, and unity of the Croatian community,” said Croatian Navy Commander Damir Dojkić in his ceremony address.
Delayed Deliveries
Originally, the deal stipulated for all five boats to be delivered by 2017.
However, the scheduled timelines faced delays. The lead boat “Omiš” began construction in September 2015, launched two years later, and was formally handed over to the navy in December 2018.
The remaining ships began construction in 2020, with the second boat, “Umag,” and the third vessel, “Karlobag,” laying their keels in September 2020. Two months later, they were followed by the fourth and fifth boats, “Opatija” and “Skradin.”
The Umag
The Umag shares similar characteristics to the lead ship, measuring 43 meters (141 feet) long and 8 meters (26 feet) wide and able to carry 17 crew members.
Powered by two propulsion engines with 7,000 total horsepower, it can sail at a top speed of up to 28 knots (51 kilometers/32 miles per hour).
It is fitted with a remote-controlled weapons station with an automatic 30-millimeter cannon, a couple of manually operated 12.7-millimeter machine guns, and four handheld portable anti-aircraft missile systems.