The additional 22 units of High Speed Tactical Watercraft (HSTW) had been received by the PNP Maritime Group last October 15, 2020 in a simple ceremony held at the contractor shipyard in Cebu City.
The contractor, DM8 Composites, is expected to turn over these HSTWs complete with training packages on Navigation, Seamanship Maintenance and Boarding.
The winning bidder for the supply of these HSTWs were the JV of Josefa Slipways, Inc. and Dynamic Power and Marine Industrial Hardware, Inc. under Public Bidding No. PNP-18-34G. DM8 is an affiliate of the latter.
This batch of HSTW features some upgrades as provided in the additional requirements set forth by the PNP Bids and Awards Committee. It include remote-controlled, 360-degree rotatable search light capable of up to 400meters coverage and an intercom system for 5 crew members.
According to DM8 Composites, in terms of performance of these HSTWs, the double stepped hull with the hard chine is optimized for high speed navigation at planing mode, providing excellent sea keeping abilities allowing a high level of crew comfort and endurance. The craft with its 3 x 250 HP Mercury outboard engines, is able to attain a maximum speed of 45 kts. The HSTW 40 stepped hull is designed to reduce the ship resistance and optimize its performance. The vessel is easy to operate and can withstand a sea state 3 sea condition.
These watercrafts have a cruising speed of 25 kts with a top speed of 45 kts. With an overall length of 12.19m, it is capable of carrying 12 passengers.
The first two batches of HSTWs were delivered by ALS Marine and Propmech starting late 2018 up to last year, respectively.
Based on the bidding documents available online, 3 HSTWs will be issued to PNP SAF and 2 are earmarked for 2 other NSUs, with the rest to be deliver to various regional units and SOUs of PNP MG.
The delivery of these watercrafts not only signifies the modernization of the PNP maritime policing capability, but also its support to the local ship-building industry in general.
With these developments, it is anticipated that more patrol boats will be procured in the coming future. . So stay tuned for more information.
See the photos below:
© Credits to:
- DM8 Composites
- Various contributors for info and photos
- PNP website
Disclaimer: All information provided herewith are available as open source online. No copyright infringement is intended.
