Kongsberg Maritime and South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries will provide controllable pitch propellers for the Philippine Navy’s future offshore patrol vessels.

Under the contract, Kongsberg will deliver a propellor set for each of the six new vessels being constructed by Hyundai.

Each propellor set features two Kamewa 86 A/5 D-B waterjet propulsions, operating panels, shat lines, hydraulic power units, and related accessories.

The first shipset delivery is scheduled for August 2024.

“Our propulsion equipment is vital to the performance of these sophisticated new vessels for the Philippine Navy,” Kongsberg Maritime Propulsion and Engine Sales Senior Vice President Ottar Ristesund stated.

“We are proud to secure this important order for Kongsberg Maritime – it showcases our good and strong collaboration with our clients.”

According to Kongsberg, the “ground-breaking” agreement is a result of its long partnership with Hyundai.

“Some years back we discussed our CPP business cooperation with HHI-EMD (Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery) to make a package proposal to HHI-EMD for their own 4-stroke engine (“HiMSEN Engine”) to meet market demands,” Kongsberg Maritime Korea Senior Sales Manager Kyung-Hoon Lee said.

“The good business cooperation has now led to securing the contract for these propulsion systems.”

The Philippine Navy’s six future offshore patrol vessels are part of the nation’s naval capability modernization.

Each ship will have a 2,450-ton displacement, 15-knot (28 kilometers/17 miles per hour) cruising speed, and a maximum speed of 22 knots (41 kilometers/25 miles per hour).

Once completed, the vessels will be deployed for Philippine Navy long-range patrol missions.