The Jewel of Muscat Arrived in Malaysia

The Jewel of Muscat, a 18 meters replica of a 9th-century Omani ship arrived in Penang, Malaysia, at 3.55 pm local time after completing 19 days sailing of the third leg voyage from Galle, Sri Lanka.

The Jewel of Muscat is a replica of a 9th-century Omani ship, built through a joint effort by the governments of Oman and Singapore.

Building of the ship began in October 2008, and the ship started to sail for Singapore on 16 February 2010 from the Sultan Qaboos Port in Muscat, Oman.

The ship carrying about 18 crews is expected to complete the journey and arrive in Singapore next month.
The project is an historical and cultural initiative launched by the two governments that involves the reconstruction of a 9th-century ship.

The ship's design is based on the archaeological findings of the Belitung Wreck, which was discovered in 1998 in Indonesia.

It represents a major feat of maritime engineering. The hull has been sewn together with coconut fiber. Built without nails to seal the hull, each timber has had to fit perfectly. The wood will be protected by a layer of goat fat mixed with lime, and the sails will be square and made from palm leaves.