Philippine Navy’s first strategic vessel starts sea trials

The Philippine Navy announced January 24 that the first of its two newly-built strategic sealift vessels has started sea trials.

The vessels are being constructed by the Indonesian shipbuilder PT Pal (Persero) in Surabaya, Indonesia. According to the Philippine media, the contract is worth PHP 3,870,000,000 (approx $80.4 million) and is sourced from the AFP Modernization Fund.

The first vessel, which yesterday started at-sea trials, was launched January 17, 2016 during a ceremony attended by the Philippine Navy flag officer in command and the country’s Secretary of National defense.

The same ceremony marked the keel laying of the second SSV (LD602) which is expected to be completed by the year 2017.

The SSVs, with a length of 123 meters and a width of 21.8 meters, will be able to reach a maximum speed of 16 knots and carry a crew of 121 and 500 troops.