Philippines Will Purchase Medical Support Ship from Indonesia
11 May 2017 18:32 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Manila - The Philippines Defense Ministry has considered buying a medical support ship from PT PAL Indonesia after it purchased two Strategic Sealift Vessels (SSVs) from the state-owned shipbuilder.
PT PAL Indonesia General Manager of the merchant vessel division Satriyo Bintoro stated Thursday, May 11, that the Philippines had conducted an evaluation of the plan, including finalization of the specifications of the ship.
"We are optimistic that they would order another ship from PT PAL, as they are satisfied with the earlier orders," Bintoro noted.
He admitted that customer's satisfaction will improve the national shipbuilder's credibility and create more business opportunities for PAL Indonesia.
"In addition to the medical support ship, they need three more SSVs, as its specifications are in line with the conditions in the Philippines," he added.
The Philippines had earlier purchased two SSVs from the company, namely BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao Del Sur, worth Rp1.1 trillion (US$82.4 million) in total.
Indonesia had won an international tender for the ships in 2014, beating eight other shipbuilding nations, including South Korea, a major producer of ships and war jets.
The first exported warship was launched by Vice President Jusuf Kalla on May 8, 2016, and the delivery of the second vessel was launched by Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu on May 4.
ANTARA