KUALA LUMPUR – The detailed design of the government’s littoral combat ship (LCS) is at 94% completion years after the project commenced, the Dewan Rakyat heard today.
Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (Tanah Merah-Perikatan) said Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS), the main contractor for the LCS project, has been ordered to prioritise the detailed design, which should be done concurrently with the construction of the vessels.
“Up to November 2019, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the Naval Group, has approved 82% of the 94% detailed design completed by BNS”.
According to Ikmal Hisham, the remaining 6% which is uncompleted involve non-critical zones of the ship, namely parts of the vessels that will be above water.
He said the detailed design for the critical zones (which will be submerged) has reached a progress of between 98% and 100%.
“The matter is being negotiated by BNS and Naval Group. This is crucial to ensure whatever is decided in the future is able to fulfil the needs of the navy as the end user.
“The Naval Group has also decided to send their technical team over to conduct an audit on the design next month.”
The deputy minister said this in response to questions raised by Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (Pasir Mas-PAS) on updates pertaining to the ship’s design and what guarantee the government offers that the first of the LCS will be delivered within the next two years.
Ikmal reiterated Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein’s previous commitment that the ministry is optimistic about delivering the first ship in two years, saying this is a realistic timeframe.
In a statement yesterday, Hishammuddin pointed out that once mobilisation works for the LCS are completed in December, all quarters involved will have 14 months to complete the vessels.
“This timeline must be adhered to by all stakeholders,” he had said. – The Vibes, October 3, 2022
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