Turkish-designed Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker Completes Maiden Sea Trials

Turkish defense contractor STM announced Thursday the first successful sea trials of the 158-meter Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker (PNFT), built in cooperation with Karachi Shipyard and Engineering Works.

According to STM's website the ship embarked on its maiden voyage on March 31, 2018, Anadolu Agency reports.

"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," STM said in a statement.

The tanker, PNS Moawin, has a displacement 16,400 tons and can travel at speeds up to 20 knots per hour (around 37 kmh). The fleet tanker project contract was signed on Jan. 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 cooperation project in the field of defense and shipbuilding industry," the STM added.