With new patrol vessel and new deal, Abu Dhabi shipyard makes waves in Indonesia

Abu Dhabi Shipyard’s 510 OPV at sea. (ADSB)

BEIRUT – Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding (ADSB) made a splash at the India Defence Expo and Forum 2022 in Jakarta, unveiling the largest vessel it has ever produced – a 51-meter offshore patrol vessel, as well as an Close to a separate agreement for Indonesia. army.

The vessel, named 510 OPV, was built at a shipyard in the United Arab Emirates by ADSB, the naval subsidiary of the sprawling EDGE group, in collaboration with the Turkish company ARES. The grey corner ship has a large modular deck that can be configured for smaller ships or equipment transport, or to deploy various combat systems. According to the company, it has a fuel capacity of 65,000 liters and is designed to provide long range and longer endurance for search and rescue, fast attack missions and other maritime activities.

“The OPV is built with a proven hull that is already in service in the Gulf. Again, all tests have been successfully carried out and certified by the relevant parties [original equipment manufacturer]Authorities and classification societies,” ADSB Director of Shipbuilding and Engineering Francesco Lo Monaco told Breaking Defense after the vessel was unveiled last week.

related: UAE boosts local shipbuilders with $982m patrol vessel deal

Lo Monaco said ADSB was the main contractor for the ship, providing the modularity of the deck arrangement, the design of the superstructure, the mission profile and the design and integration of the combat systems, while Turkish partner ARES would play a “key role,” from providing ” Innovative and Proven Hull” begins.

He explained that both ADSB and ARES are focused on delivering cost-effective solutions that provide the best value for both local and international customers.

The modular rear deck accommodates two fast interceptors or a combination of an 11-meter unmanned surface vessel with a dedicated crane for launch and recovery while cruising, and a stern slide for fast launch and recovery of rigid hull inflatable boats. Main deck cranes can be installed to support offshore operations, and the stern area can be covered to accommodate pads for unmanned aerial vehicles. The ship can be equipped with a 30mm main gun, a missile launcher and manual or remote-controlled machine guns.

Lo Monaco said the EDGE subsidiary will unveil the vessel during the Indonesian show, when the UAE will host two defense conferences in four months, a testament to how the company sees the potential of customers in the Indo-Pacific.

“Showing our products here highlights the importance of this market. In line with the mandate of the UAE leadership, we are focusing on expanding global exports of ‘Made in the UAE’ products,” he said.

Another deal finalized

Also in Jakarta last week, ADSB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL Indonesia “to strengthen cooperation and leverage the capabilities of both parties to build a range of interceptors, landing craft and rigid – to meet the needs of the Indonesian navy and coast. Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) required by the Guard,” said a statement issued by the company.

The agreement was signed by ADSB Head of Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Maktoom Al Shehhi and PT PAL Indonesia CEO Dr. Kaharuddin Djenod. But beyond that, there are few specifics, including how wide the arrangement will be and which ships may be involved.

“The size of the deal cannot be quantified into numbers,” Lo Monaco said. “This transaction is a strategic vision to strengthen the shipbuilding collaboration between ADSB and PT PAL. Our main goal is to jointly develop a joint design that will add value to both of our customers.”

He assured that the company has not signed a specific contract with PT PAL, but the more general intention is to allow UAE companies to supply ships to the Indonesian Navy and Coast Guard to meet their needs. On whether the vessels that could be involved in future deals were tested in Indonesia, he said, “What I can tell you is that the platforms are validated and are currently operating in the Gulf.”