Training Ships Delayed Again

A picture of Gagah Samudera during her sea trials in October, 2016. via Nazir Darus, Twitter

SHAH ALAM: Training Ships delayed again. The never ending saga of the two RMN training ships, PCU Gagah Samudera and Teguh Samudera, continues. I had reported before that Gagah is expected to be commissioned soon and the navy even fixed the date for it, Nov. 14.

Two weeks before that however, I have to report that Gagah commissioning has been postponed. I was not told the reason for the delay but it appears that it will take a while as no one will even dare estimate the new commissioning date.

Several months ago I was told that Boustead Naval Shipyard had decided not to bid for the job to complete the two training ships following surveys on both the ships. The surveys, I was told concluded that both ships were not in a good shape and it will take more money and time to complete them.

The latest picture of Gagah Samudera during her sea trials. via Nazir Darus, Twitter
The latest picture of Gagah Samudera during her sea trials. via Nazir Darus, Twitter

In short, the funds allocated for the completion was too low and the deadline was too tight for them to make any profit from the project. Initially I thought this was just idle talk from officials who lost a tender but it appears that the continuing travails over the two ships seemed to justify the BNS decision not to bid for the project.

PCU Gagah Samudera, prior to her launch. in late 2012.
PCU Gagah Samudera, prior to her launch. in late 2012.

For the record, Grade One Marine Shipyard Sdn Bhd in Lumut, was awarded the deal to complete the two ships.

Gagah Samudera was launched on Dec 14, 2012 while her sister ship, Teguh Samudera – pennant number 272 – on Feb 27, 2013. Both were supposed to be commissioned within six months after their launch at the NGV Tech Sdn Bhd yard in Sinjangkang, Selangor.

Gagah Samudera at the National Hydrography Centre. Picture taken on April 22, 2014
Gagah Samudera at the National Hydrography Centre. Picture taken on April 22, 2014

For more on the training ships, please read the previous posts on the issue for context. Here, Here and Here

Gagah Samudera at speed during her sea trials. Via Nazir Darus, Twitter
Gagah Samudera at speed during her sea trials. Via Nazir Darus, Twitter

Ironically, I was informed of the delay of Gagah’s commissioning after I inquired of her status following a tweet by an RMN officer, most likely the CO of the ship. He had tweeted on Oct. 27, pictures of the ship “on her first sea trials.”

A rather arty shot of Gagah Samudera taken at night. Via Nazir Darus, Twitter
A rather arty shot of Gagah Samudera taken at night. Via Nazir Darus, Twitter

From the pictures, we can ascertained most of her equipment including the MSI 30mm gun and Kelvin Hughes Sharp Eye navigation radar have been installed. I was not told about the problems that is delaying the commissioning but I am assuming it must be quiet substantive.

As for the LMS, an update will be coming in a few days.

BTW,Happy Deepavali!

— Malaysian Defence

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About Marhalim Abas 2314 Articles
Shah Alam

4 Comments

  1. The person selected to be the first CO of one of the ships is a schoolmate. His ship was so delayed that he was posted elsewhere!

  2. Just an idea. Is this pcu gagah samudera class is good in terms of capability for mmea opv requirement?

    Reply
    Yes but they already have to settle for another design

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