Japanese prime Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has been awarded a contract by the the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia, or BAKAMLA) for the construction of a new offshore patrol vessel (OPV).
The company announced on 30 January that its Mitsubishi Shipbuilding business will lead this effort at its Shimonoseki Shipyard and Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Completion and delivery of the OPV are scheduled for March 2028.
“Going forward, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding will continue to build vessels for both domestic and overseas use that deliver superlative fuel efficiency and environmental performance and contribute to social and international safety and security,” said MHI in its statement. “Working closely with its customers, the company will successively pursue resolution of a diverse range of navigational challenges.”
According to MHI, the OPV project is being funded by a grant inked between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Indonesian government in March 2024, and is aimed at enhancing Indonesia’s maritime safety and security.
The OPV acquisition contract itself – worth US$58 million – was signed by BAKAMLA chief Vice Admiral Irvansyah in Tokyo later in December.
According to the agency, the OPV will have a length of 85.6 metres, accommodation for 70 crewmembers, and a maximum speed of 22 knots.
Japan has also agreed to transfer two high-speed patrol boats – each measuring 18 metres long and top speed and crew capacity of 40 knots and16 personnel, respectively – to Indonesia following a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo in January.
by Jr Ng
