HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Begins Construction of Philippine Patrol Vessel... Delivery in 2025

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is set to officially begin construction of the Philippine patrol vessel, a symbol of the 'Korea-Philippines friendship.'

On the 22nd, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a keel-laying ceremony for the first 3,200-ton Philippine patrol vessel at its Ulsan shipyard, attended by naval and defense officials from both Korea and the Philippines.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a keel-laying ceremony for a 3,200-ton class Philippine patrol vessel on the 22nd in front of the dock at the Ulsan Shipyard's Special Ship Division. Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Special Ship Division (second from the left), and Livio Durinayan Adashi Jr., Chief of Staff of the Philippine Navy (third from the left) (Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries)

The keel-laying ceremony marks the installation of the first block used in the ship inside the shipyard dock, wishing for successful construction and safety, signifying that the shipbuilding has entered its main phase.

The patrol vessel being built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is a state-of-the-art ship measuring 118.4 meters in length, 14.9 meters in width, with a cruising speed of 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h), and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,330 km). It will be equipped with advanced weapon systems such as anti-ship missiles, vertical launch systems, and AESA radar.

The two Philippine patrol vessels are scheduled to be launched in 2024 and delivered to the Philippine Navy by 2025.

The Philippine government is promoting the 'Horizon' project to modernize and strengthen its navy by acquiring six frigates and twelve patrol vessels. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has received orders for a total of ten vessels, including two frigates (ordered in 2016), two patrol vessels (2021), and six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) (2022).

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also supporting the modernization of the Philippine Navy by securing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) contracts for the two frigates delivered to the Philippine Navy in 2020 and 2021.

At the event, Toribio Durinayan Adashi Jr., Chief of Staff of the Philippine Navy, attended to review the construction status of his country’s patrol vessels and discuss cooperation plans for the modernization of the Philippine Navy with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. He also attended the keel-laying ceremony for the second vessel held earlier, demonstrating the Philippine government's strong expectations and commitment to this project.

Chief Toribio said, "I was able to see the site where high-quality vessels are being built at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ cutting-edge facilities. Along with shipbuilding, we plan to continue a strong partnership through cooperation in training, technology transfer, and performance upgrades of existing vessels. The experience of building numerous ships for the Korean Navy will also benefit the Philippine Navy."

Joo Won-ho, Head of the Special Ship Business Division at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, stated, "The patrol vessel whose keel was laid this time and the offshore patrol vessels to be built starting next year are milestones symbolizing the friendship between the two countries. We will do our best to build high-quality vessels and contribute to the modernization of the Philippine Navy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.