Shape, size, capabilities of frigates to be determined after workshop --DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29): Shape, size, capabilities of frigates to be determined after workshop --DND

The shape, size and capabilities of the two P18-billion frigates, now undergoing bidding at the Department of National Defense (DND), will be determined once the workshop for qualified proponents starts in February.

This was disclosed by DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo Wednesday in reply to a query on the possible tonnage, length, width and capabilities of the two ships.

"The workshop will allow the proponents to present their proposed specifications. The data/information that will be generated during the workshops will be used by the Navy in formulating the final TOR (terms of reference)," Manalo said.

Each proponent has a working week (around five days) to present their design to the Philippine Navy technical working group and its private consultants.

As of this posting, only four shipbuilders have successfully passed the first stage of the bidding for the P18-billion frigate project.

These are Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc.

The first stage of the bidding involves the inspection of company eligibility documents.

Three other shipbuilding firms joined the bidding but the DND declared their documents to be deficient.

These companies, identified as Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, STX France SA, and Thyssenkrupp Marine System, have filed a motion for reconsideration at the DND.

Earlier, PN technical working group head Commodore Roland Mercado said that the panel, which will be assessing the designs, are all seasoned naval architects from the government and private sectors.

He added that these individuals will closely scrutinized the designs for possible flaws.

Mercado said that this will ensure that the designs submitted are proven ones and comparable in capabilities with existing frigate classes.

Inspection of the designs and technical specifications will be done in Sangley Point Naval Station in Cavite.

During this period, hull, powerplant, communications, and weapon systems designs will be closely looked into by the panel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=610524