LANGKAWI, Aug 13 – Local shipbuilding companies KN Aluminum & Engineering Sdn Bhd (KNAE) and Northern Shipyard Sdn Bhd successfully completed two patrol boats for the Nigerian Navy within 24 months from the order date, using local manpower and expertise.
The 29-knot “38M Sea Eagle” vessels would be part of the country’s defence assets for the purpose of patrolling, escorting, border control, and search and rescue missions.
KNAE director Khee Chee Kheong said the company is dedicated to the design, manufacture and integration of ships using the latest and most advanced systems to meet the needs of the ever-evolving maritime industry.
“We used 99 per cent local labour and expertise to build these two vessels. It represents an extraordinary feat for the company and a great honour for us to complete and deliver this project.
“With our ability to build these two patrol boats, we hope that the Malaysian government can also give us the opportunity to build ships for Malaysian maritime use,” he told reporters after the completion ceremony of the patrol boats attended by Deputy Defense Minister Adly Zahari here today.
Additionally, Northern Shipyard corporate relations manager Captain Baharin Baharom said the successful construction of the two boats marks a continuity to the previous project of four “The Great Manta” patrol crafts delivered to the Nigerian Navy, which was completed in December 2020.
“The previous four patrol crafts received good feedback from the Nigerian Navy in terms of quality and results of our work,” he said.
These two patrol boats are expected to be delivered to the Nigerian Navy next month using a cargo vessel to Apapa Port in Lagos, Nigeria, he added.
