Damen, Lloyd’s Register join forces on Colombian Navy’s PES frigate

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval has signed a contract with classification society Lloyd’s Register on the Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate for Colombia. 

Following the successful completion of a design study with COTECMAR, Damen Naval secured a contract in August 2024 to provide engineering services, technical support, and the necessary shipbuilding materials and equipment for the construction of the first frigate.

Lloyd’s Register has been involved in the project since the end of 2022, initially offering plan approval services as part of the design study phase.

With the project moving into the execution phase, the classification society has now been appointed to oversee and carry out the full plan approval process, ensuring that all design and construction plans meet the required standards and regulations.

The PES design is based on the Damen Naval SIGMA 10514 series, which has previously been built for Indonesia and Mexico. The vessel will have a length of 107.5 meters and a beam of 14.02 meters.

“Lloyd’s Register will assess the design and provide support to maximise the safety and assurance of the vessel,” said Yorick Spoelstra, Business Development Manager Navy. 

The project represents a significant investment in generating skilled local employment, and promotes knowledge transfer. The aim is to strengthen Colombia’s defense industry with a focus on self-sufficiency. 

The first PES frigate is scheduled to be delivered to the Colombian Navy in 2030.