Second Indonesian Navy Oceanographic Vessel Named KRI Spica 934

07 Agustus 2015

KRI Spica 934 (photo : Lembaga Keris)

OCEA launches second Indonesian Navy oceanographic vessel

French shipbuilder OCEA has launched the second oceanographic offshore support vessel (OSV) on order for the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL), the service announced on 5 August.

The vessel was launched at Les Sables d'Olonne on 3 August in a ceremony attended by senior members of the Indonesian Ministry of Defence and the TNI-AL. IHS Jane's understands that the vessel will be named KRI Spica with pennant number 934.

Indonesia signed a USD100 million contract with OCEA in October 2013 for two 60 m OSVs. First-of-class KRI Rigel (933) arrived in Indonesia in May and is currently based with the TNI-AL's Military Sealift Command (KOLINLAMIL) in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta.

According to specifications provided by the TNI-AL, the platform is powered by two MTU 8V 4000 M53 engines driving two fixed-pitch propellers. The vessel can attain a top speed of 14 kt, has a standard range of 4,400 n miles at 12 kt, and can operate up to Sea State Six. Each OSV can accommodate a crew of 30 and 16 mission personnel at sea for 20 days.

The platform has been lightly armed with a Rheinmetall 20 mm cannon as its main gun and two stern-facing 12.7 mm machine guns for point defence.

The service has not released details on the survey equipment that will be fitted on board the second OSV but Rigel is equipped with Kongsberg's EA 600 single-beam echo sounder and the company's EM 2040 and EM 302 multibeam systems. The vessel also carries Kongsberg Maritime's Hugin 1000 autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), which can perform high-speed survey missions at depths of up to 1,000 m.

"The second OSV will now undergo harbour-acceptance tests and sea-acceptance tests before delivery," said the TNI-AL in its statement. It added that Indonesian service members will arrive in France from mid-August for training and familiarisation on board the platform. The vessel is scheduled for commissioning in October.

(Jane's)

Peluncuran Kapal Bantu Hidro Oseanografi ke-2 di Perancis

05 Agustus 2015

Upacara peluncuran  Kapal Bantu Hidro Oseanografi (BHO)ke-2 di Les Sables D’Olonne, Perancis (photo : TNI AL)

Bertempat di dermaga galangan kapal OCEA Les Sables d’Olonne, Perancis, telah dilaksanakan acara peluncuran kapal Bantu Hidro Oseanografi-2 (BHO-2) pada tanggal 3 Agustus 2015, yang dipimpin oleh Dirwilhan Ditjen Strahan Kementerian Pertahanan RI Laksamana Pertama TNI RM. Harahap, M.M. Acara peluncuran kapal tersebut ditandai dengan pemotongan tali menggunakan kapak sebagai tanda simbolis peluncuran kapal BHO-2.

Hadir dalam acara tersebut antara lain Dirrenbanghan Ditjen Renhan Kementerian Pertahanan R.I Marsma TNI Tata Endrataka, Irops Itjenal Laksma TNI Arusukmono, S,E, Paban VI Slogal Kolonel Laut (T) Ir. Fitri Hadi Suhaimi, M.A.P, dan Personil Satgas Yekda Kapal BHO. Sementara dari pihak galangan kapal OCEA S.A Perancis dihadiri oleh Director Quality and Projects Mr. Luc Boulestreau, Project Manager Mr. Franck Mayet, serta sub-contractor OCEA.

Berdasarkan kontrak pengadaan kapal BHO yang dilaksanakan oleh Kementerian Pertahanan Republik Indonesia dengan pihak galangan OCEA Perancis, maka dilaksanakan pembangunan kapal sebanyak 2 (dua) buah yang dimulai sejak bulan Oktober 2013 dan diperkirakan akan selesai pada akhir bulan September 2015. Peluncuran kapal BHO-2 ini merupakan kelanjutan dari pembuatan kapal jenis Multi Purpose Research Vessel (MPRV) sebelumnya yaitu KRI Rigel – 933 yang telah tiba di Indonesia, guna memperkuat armada survei dan pemetaan laut di jajaran Dishidros.

Setelah pelaksanaan launching BHO-2 ini, kegiatan yang akan dilaksanakan berikutnya adalah Harbour Acceptance Test (HAT) dan Sea Acceptance Test (SAT) untuk meyakinkan bahwa kapal dalam kondisi siap sebelum diserahkan kepada Kemhan/TNI AL. Selain itu kegiatan lainnya meliputi pelatihan awak kapal di Perancis pada pertengahan Agustus 2015, Military Seaworthiness, Uji L-1/L-2 dan Commodore Inspection. Apabila semua berjalan dengan baik sesuai rencana, maka kapal BHO-2 ini akan diresmikan sebagai Kapal Perang Republik Indonesia (KRI) pada minggu pertama Oktober 2015, dan direncanakan akan berlayar menuju Indonesia pada pertengahan Oktober 2015.

(TNI AL)

Two Home-Made Troopers for Venezuela Launched

15 Juli 2015

Roro 5612 ship no 02 (photo : QDND)

PANO - Ha Long One-member Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., under the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, has successfully launched two troop-carrier ships Roro 5612 numbered No.1 and No.2 for the Venezuelan Navy.

Roro 5612, designed and equipped by the Dutch Damen Group, was built for the Latin American (Venezuela) country under the supervision of the French register DV.

With a length of 57.27m, width of 12m, water displacement of 600 tons, and speed of 10.4 knots per hour, the ship is tasked with transporting supplies to islands, and can carry light amphibious armored vehicles.

As scheduled, the company will hand over the two ships to the new owner in September and the two remaining ships in the fourth quarter of this year.


Additionally, the company is building two oil-service ships for the Damen Group as well as some steel-hull fishing ships intended for locals.

(QDND)

Sea-Basing Ship to be Deployed in Sabah

06 Juli 2015

KD Tun Azizan sea base (photos : Bernama, Kamarul)

The construction of the Tun Sharifah Rodziah sea-basing ship in the waters off eastern Sabah will tighten maritime security, especially in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) areas.

Armed forces chief Gen Tan Sri Dr Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said the sea-basing ship would be equipped with interceptor boats, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopter and a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) team.

"The sea-basing ship would be accredited soon, probably in August," he said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said with the presence of the sea-basing ship, efforts to safeguard national waters, especially to intercept criminal boats in areas near southern Philippines, would be easier.

(The Malaysian Insider)

PLA Navy Receives its First Mobile Landing Platform

02 Juli 2015

A photo of vessel 868 released by the PLA Navy. (photo : Want China Times)

Guangzhou's Wenchong shipyard officially turned China's first mobile landing platform, known as vessel 868, over to the PLA Navy on June 26, reports overseas Chinese-language news outlet Duowei News.

Vessel 868 shares many similar characteristics with its American MLP counterpart, according to a Sina Military Network report. It is developed specifically to carry the PLA Navy's Zubr-class air-cushioned landing craft in future amphibious operations. With a displacement of 3,200 tonnes, vessel 868 was launched on Feb. 27 and completed its sea trial a month later.

When joined with other MLPs, vessel 868 will greatly enhance China's force projection capabilities. In the case of military conflict over the disputed South China Sea, the PLA would be likely to launch amphibious landings with MLPs against the islands and reefs currently under the administration of Vietnam and the Philippines. The MLPs would also likely figure in a potential invasion of Taiwan, said the report.

A mobile landing platform is "half-submarine and half-boat" because it has a semi-submersible deck for ease of transferring cargo and equipment. The ship's main roles are to transport heavy weaponry and combat supplies as well as act as a transfer point between large ships and small landing craft.

USNS Montford Point, the first MLP delivered to the US Navy in 2013, is expected to enter service this year.

(WantChinaTimes)

RAN Prepares to Decommission HMAS Tobruk

26 Juni 2015

HMAS Tobruk sails into Sydney Harbour for the final time before decommissioning on 31 July 2015. (photo : Aus DoD)

HMAS Tobruk , the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN's ) only heavy landing ship, completed its final voyage to the Garden Island naval base in Sydney on 25 June prior to decommissioning on 31 July.

The 5,800-tonne vessel, based on the design of the Round Table class of the UK's Royal Fleet Auxiliary, was constructed in Newcastle, Australia, and commissioned in April 1981.

During its 34 years in service Tobruk was a mainstay of the RAN's heavy sealift capability, but in recent years became increasingly unreliable.

Notwithstanding Tobruk 's retirement, the RAN's sealift capability is approaching an all-time high with the commissioning in November 2014 of the 27,500 tonne helicopter landing dock HMAS Canberra , sea trials of sister ship Adelaide now underway, and the in-service availability of the 16,190 tonne dock landing ship HMAS Choules .

(Jane's)

Indonesian Chief of Navy Visits Swedish Naval Base

24 Juni 2015

Indonesian and Swedish delegates in front of the Visby Class Corvette (photo : Saab)

Indonesian Chief of Navy Visits Swedish Naval Base

The Indonesian Chief of Navy, Admiral Ade Supandi, recently visited the Swedish Armed Forces Naval base in Karlskrona in the southern part of Sweden, from 8 – 9 June, 2015. He was welcomed by the Chief of Navy of the Royal Swedish Navy, Rear Admiral Jan Thörnqvist and spent a day and a half at the base learning more about the Composite Ships currently in operation by the Royal Swedish Navy.

The visit also included a tour on board a Visby Class Corvette and a mine hunting vessel. In addition to that, the two Chiefs of Navy also visited the new Naval Warfare Centre with simulators and training equipment.

Landsort / Koster Class Minehunter (photo : amekiel)

Head of Saab Indonesia, Peter Carlqvist together with Senior Director, Head of Naval Combat Systems at Saab, Stefan Hedenstedt, also had the opportunity to present Saab’s Naval portfolio and Saab Kockums Mine Counter Measures Capabilities, Composite and Stealth Technologies. They jointly presented Saab’s presence, activities and cooperation in Indonesia as well as the Stealth Fast Attack Craft (Trimaran) turnkey maritime solution to Admiral Supandi.

Admiral Supandi was accompanied by a delegation of high ranking Naval Officers, including Chief of Budgeting, Rear Admiral Agung Pramono and Chief of Operation, Rear Admiral Arie Henrycus Sembiring. Their Excellences, the Indonesian Ambassador to Sweden, Mr. Dewa Made Juniarta Sastrawa and the Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia, Mrs. Johanna  Brismar Skoog, also participated in this visit.

(SaabGroup)

Vietnam to Build Ships for Maritime Research and Survey Locally

02 Juni 2015

A photo shows a locally-built ship for maritime research and survey purposes operating in Vietnamese waters. (photo : chinhphu)

Vietnamese shipyards will be picked via limited tender procedures to be eligible to build specialized ships for maritime research and survey purposes following a decision recently approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, according to government website chinhphu.vn.

Accordingly, only member companies of the Hanoi-based Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC), previously known as Vinashin, are allowed to join those tenders to secure the rights to build such ships, the website said on Friday.

Prime Minister Dung has assigned the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to actively work with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance to allocate necessary capital for the project.

The premier has also agreed to extend the repayment of advance funding worth VND200 billion (US$9.2 million) to the end of 2015 to implement the project to build ships for maritime research and survey purposes as proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

The three ministries are requested to choose shipbuilders to accelerate the implementation of the project and to meet the requirements of maritime research and survey tasks so as to ensure investment efficiency.

The project to build ships for maritime research and survey purposes was approved by the prime minister in late 2014.

The premier then agreed to advance VND200 billion for any firms getting involved in the project before June 30, 2015.

As reported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the project will be carried out from now to the end of next year, while the installation of technical equipment for the maritime research and survey work will be done in the 2017-18 period.

(TuoiTreNews)

Patrol Ranges of Jacinto, Gregorio Del Pilar Ships Boosted by AF-81

29 Mei 2015

BRP Lake Caliraya AF-81 (photo : pdff)

MANILA (PNA) -- With the commissioning of BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81), the Navy's first oil tanker, patrol ranges of the three Jacinto class patrol vessels have been extended by another 2,500 nautical miles while the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates have boosted theirs by another 14,000 nautical miles.

This was disclosed by Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan in a message to the PNA.

The Jacinto class patrol vessels have a maximum unrefueled range of 2,500 nautical miles while the Gregorio Del Pilar frigates have a maximum unrefueled range of 14,000 nautical miles.

Millan added that having AF-81 in their inventory greatly boosted the patrol and endurance capabilities of their ships.

"As long as she (AF-81) has sufficient fuel stocks aboard, she can refuel any of our floating assets 24/7 to ensure their continuous patrol and maximize the presence of our floating assets," he added.

The BRP Lake Caliraya was commissioned at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City last May 23.

She was the former M/T Lapu-Lapu of the PNOC Shipping and Transport Corporation that was donated to the PN last March 26, 2014.

The BRP Lake Caliraya is a single product replenishment platform that has a depot-to-ship, ship-to-depot, and a ship-to-ship refueling capabilities.

AF-81 was one of the three largest vessel of PNOC Fleet. She was built in Zhejiang Zhongxing Shipyard in Taizhou Peoples Republic of China in November 2007.

The sailing crew commissioned by the PNOC brought the ship from Taizhou, China to Manila, Philippines in January 2008.

The ship was used by the PNOC in transporting mainly bunker fuel to the different ports in the Philippines.

On May 11, 2014, the ship was brought from its anchorage area in Bataan to Keppel Shipyard, Bauan, Batangas to undergo dry docking and other related repairs.

She was then brought to Naval Shipyard, NSPL, Cavite City to undergo structural, habitability, machinery, and piping repairs.

AF-81 was named after Lake Caliraya, a beautiful lake located in the province of Laguna. As the lake provides a source of livelihood sustenance for the people of Caliraya, AF-81 on the other hand, will support the sustainment of naval operations.

With her modern replenishment and refueling gear, she will be central to facilitating and sustaining the operations of our Fleet in the operational areas.

AF-81 is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Mamerto A Goleta PN and manned by selected officers and men of the Sealift Amphibious Force.

(PNA)

BRP Ang Pangulo up for DSRT

26 Mei 2015

BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25), (photo : Mark M Amielanczyk)

MANILA (PNA) -- BRP Ang Pangulo (AT-25), the presidential yacht, has been allocated the sum of Php5,759,320 for her "deploy, sustain, repair and training" (DSRT) cycle.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 15 calendar days.

BRP Ang Pangulo was acquired by the Philippine government in 1959.

The yacht was first used by President Carlos P. Garcia for entertaining.

She was built in Japan as part of that country’s war reparations to the Philippines. 

(PNA)

BRP Lake Caliraya, Navy's First Oil Tanker, Joins Philippine Fleet

24 Mei 2015

BRP Lake Caliraya (AF81) on the right (photo : firstknight)

A former tanker of the Philippine National Oil Company was commissioned into the Philippine Navy in rites at Fort San Felipe in Cavite City on Saturday.

According to the Philippine Navy, BRP Lake Caliraya (AF81), formerly MT Lapu-Lapu, was donated to the military in March 2014 and went through dry dock and repairs in Batangas and Cavite before beinf commissioned.

“With the commissioning of this oil tanker, the Navy has now a credible POL [petroleum, oil, lubricants] delivery platform that shall extend the operational range and scope of our ships especially those operating in the high seas and the [Exclusive Economic Zone],” Vice Adm. Jesus Millan, flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy, said.

BRP Lake Caliraya is a single product replenishment platform that has a depot-to-ship, ship-to-depot, and a ship-to-ship refueling capabilities, the Navy said.

Built in Zhejiang Zhongxing Shipyard in Taizhou, in the Peoples Republic of China in November 2007, the tanker was one of the biggest vessels in the PNOC's fleet and was used to transport bunker fuel across the country.

Now a part of the Philippine Fleet, BRP Lake Caliraya is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Mamerto Goleta and crewed by selected officers and men of Sealift Amphibious Force. 

(GMA News)

KRI Kupang-582 Pensiun dari Dinas Aktif TNI AL

21 Mei 2016

TNI AL mengoperasikan empat LCU yaitu KRI Dore 580, KRI Kupang 582, KRI Dili 583, dan KRI Nusa Utara 584 (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Kapal Perang Republik Indonesia (KRI) Kupang-582 yang memperkuat Satuan Kapal Amfibi Koarmatim (Stafibarmatim) berhenti dari dinas aktif TNI Angkatan Laut. Pelepasan KRI Kupang-582 dari dinas aktif TNI Angkatan Laut tersebut ditandai dengan pelepasan ular-ular perang, lencana perang serta penurunan Bendera Merah Putih dengan upacara militer yang dilaksanakan di Dermaga Koarmatim Ujung, Surabaya, Rabu (20/5/2015).

KRI Kupang-582 adalah kapal perang buatan PT. PAL Indonesia tahun 1978 dan resmi masuk jajaran TNI Angkatan Laut pada tanggal 07 Desember 1984. Nama KRI Kupang diambil dari sebuah kota di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur. Nama kota itu dipakai sebagai nama sebuah kapal perang karena kota terebut memilki nilai historis dalam mendukung perjuangan bangsa Indonesia. Kupang merupakan tempat yang cukup strategis dari Kepulauan Timor yang digunakan sebagai tempat pelaksanaan bekal ulang bagi kapal-kapal TNI Angkatan Laut pada saat pengembalian Irian Barat ke Pangkuan RI dan saat operasi pemulihan ketertiban Timor Timur serta pada saat pembangunan yang dilaksanakan pemerintah selanjutnya.

Sejak diresmikan menjadi Kapal Perang Republik Indonesia, KRI Kupang-582 telah melaksanakan berbagai tugas operasi, diantaranya pada tahun 1992 telah mendukung Indusa Salvex-II dan Minex &Eodex, Gladi Parsial Armada Jaya-XV, Gladi Parsial Latgab ABRI, Mendukung Renang Laut Satkopaska, Bencana alam di NTT dan perkuatan Kodam IX/Udayana, pada tahun 1993 melaksanakan  melaksanakan Latihan TIM Latih Pasrat Kima dan Latihan mtT Salvex PSP-VII, tahun 1994 melaksanakan Indusa Eodex, Operasi Timor-Timur BKO DAM-IX/UDayana dan Kodal Kolinlamil tahun 1995, Latihan Pratugas Satuan Unit Ferry Ki Zeni Operasi Pemulihan Perdaiman PBB tahun 2002 serta Operasi Pantura tahun 2002 sampai 2009.

Upacara pelepasan KRI Kupang-582 dari dinas aktif TNI Angkatan Laut dipimpin oleh Komandan Satfibarmatim Kolonel Laut (P) Bambang Irawan, S.E yang bertindak selaku inspektur upacara. Sedangkan pasukan upacara dari Prajurit Satfibarmatim yang terdiri dari Perwira, Bintara dan Tamtama masing-masing satu pleton dibawah komando Komandan KRI Sangkulirang-542 Mayor Laut (P) I G. Putu Iwan sebagai Komandan Upacara.

Panglima Komando Armada RI Kawasan Timur (Pangarmatim) Laksamana Muda TNI Darwanto. S.H., M.A.P dalam sambutan yang dibacakan inspektur upacara mengatakan, bahwa KRI Kupang-582 merupakan salah satu kapal Landing Craft Utility (LCU) yang handal dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas negara sesuai dengan fungsi azasinya. Berbagai penugasan telah dilaksanakan, guna mendukung pergeseran logistik dan material baik dalam dalam operasi militer maupun dalam mendukung pembangunan nasional.

KRI Kupang-582 diberhentikan dari dinas aktif TNI Angkatan Laut karena berdasarkan pertimbangan strategis, teknis dan ekonomis, sudah tidak layak lagi untuk berperan lebih lama. Secara strategis kondisi KRI Kupang-582 tidak mampu lagi untuk menjawab tantangan yang berkembang saat ini, sedangkan secara teknis dan ekonomis, kondisi alutsista yanang semakin tua maka biaya pemeliharaan dan perbaikan akan menjadi semakin berat dan sangat tidak sebanding dengan hasil operasi yang diharapkan, sehingga efisiensi pengoperasiannya dirasakan tidak memadai lagi.

Diakhir amanat Pangarmatim mengucapkan terima kasih atas kerja keras, dedikasi, loyalitas serta tanggung jawab dan profesionalisme seluruh ABK, baik yang saat ini masih menjadi ABK KRI Kupang-582 maupun seluruh mantan ABK atas semua prestasi yang telah dicapai KRI Kupang-582.

(TNI AL)

The MCMVs of RSN's 194 Squadron

21 Mei 2015

RSS Kallang sailing off on 31 Dec 2014, as part of the Underwater Search Task Group, to join the multinational AirAsia search operations. (all photos : Sing Mindef)

For 194 SQN and the MCMVs, eliminating threats under the sea and ensuring that the sea lanes are clear of mines will always be their primary mission, no matter how arduous and long the process may be.

The recent upgrades have breathed new life into the ships, which were commissioned in 1995. They have also been a morale booster to the MCMV crew, allowing them to operate more efficiently and focus more on getting the mission done.

"In the past, I might need 24 hours to clear a certain area. I can do so now in half that time with a greater level of confidence, as my sonars are much more effective," said MAJ Ng.

He added: "Our slogan is 'Safe in our wake', meaning that where an MCMV has been, it is safe to follow behind. 194 SQN may be a relatively small unit, but one with a niche capability that has a huge significance.

"Mine-countering is a very specialised area of expertise, and nobody else in Singapore has this capability except us."

The first ship of its class (the Bedok-class MCMV), RSS Bedok, was commissioned in 1995.

The MCMVs were named after coastal towns in Singapore. It is a worldwide tradition for MCMVs to be named after coastal towns. Bedok, Kallang, Punggol and Katong happened to be the four coastal towns in Singapore, before reclamation was done.

The hull of the MCMV is made of plastic. The MCMV is made of Glass-Reinforced Polyester, commonly known as fibre-glass. As mines are mainly designed to target ships, which are essentially big pieces of floating steel, a plastic hull prevents the MCMV from emitting the typical metallic signature which would trigger mines.

The MCMVs' proportions are similar to those of commercial tugboats. This allows the MCMVs to be highly manoeuvrable so that they can easily weave in and out of hard-to-access areas while scanning for sea mines.

Upgrades List of the MCMV's

Check out some of the upgrades and new technology that boost the MCMV's operational capabilities.

25mm Typhoon Naval Stabilised Gun System

Replacing the 40mm BOFORS L70 gun, the Typhoon gun fires more accurately and puts the crew at less risk as it can be operated remotely from within the ship. As the MCMV is not typically used for naval battles, the gun is to help defend it against small boat attacks.

Mine Hunting Sonar (MHS)

The eye of the MCMV, the MHS is hull-mounted and lowered through the keel to scan for mine-like objects in the water. The upgraded MHS scans twice as deep and twice as wide compared to its predecessor, providing a much clearer picture of underwater objects.

K-STER Expendable Mine Disposal System (EMDS)

This remotely operated vehicle replaces its predecessor, the Mine Disposal Vehicle. The K-STER EMDS consists of two variants: the K-STER I and K-STER C. Equipped with a camera for live video streaming and a sonar, the K-STER I is mainly used to take a closer look at a mine-like object before a decision is made whether to blow it up. In this case, the K-STER C will be activated.

Towed Synthetic Aperture Sonar (TSAS)

This yellow torpedo-like sonar works by being towed from the back of the MCMV. The TSAS has a wider detection range and can scan as close as just as a few metres above the seabed, allowing the MCMV to carry out underwater surveys at a much faster speed. Other advantages of the TSAS include being equipped with sensors to react accordingly when it senses obstructions, and providing sonar readings in colour. It often works in tandem with the MHS.

Remote Environmental Monitoring Units (REMUS)

This autonomous underwater vessel is an unmanned sonar which is launched from a sea boat or Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boat. It can be deployed in areas that the MCMV is unable to enter, such as restricted areas and shallow waters.

Small and portable, the REMUS is useful as an added underwater search capability, easily transported by flight or from one ship to another. Its unmanned capability minimises the risk to human lives, eliminating the need for personnel to step into the minefield to hunt for mines.

Since 2011, the REMUS has been taking part in an annual international mine counter-measure exercise held in Bahrain. These exercises provide exposure and enable the REMUS team to learn from and benchmark themselves against their United States and Australian counterparts. The REMUS was also involved in the search and locate operations for the missing AirAsia flight QZ8501 last December.

(CyberPioneer)

KRI Spica-934, Kapal Survei Hidrografi-Oseanografi Kedua Tiba September 2015

16 Mei 2015

KRI Rigel 933 (photo : Ocea)

KRI Rigel-933, kapal survei hidrografi-oseanografi TNI AL tiba

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Tanpa memerlukan kapal tunda, KRI Rigel-933, kapal survei hidrografi canggih TNI AL terbaru, bisa menambatkan diri di dermaga Terminal Peti Kemas Pelabuhan Tanjung Priok, Jakarta, Jumat. 

Kapal militer berkelir abu-abu laut itu tiba setelah 50 hari lalu berlayar dari galangan kapalnya, OCEA Dossier, di Les Sables-d’Olonne, Prancis, menuju Tanjung Priok. 

Kanon 20mm melengkapi KRI Rigel 933 (photo : Sea and Marine)

Kepala Staf TNI AL, Laksamana TNI Ade Supandi, memimpin upacara militer penyambutan kapal perang terbaru TNI AL, di dermaga itu, Jumat. 

“Indonesia memesan dua kapal survei di kelas ini kepada galangan kapal itu. Semuanya tepat waktu, baik pembuatan, pengujian, dan pengiriman,” kata Supandi, tentang kapal yang dikategorikan sebagai Multi Purpose Research Vehicle itu. 

Setelah upacara penerimaan ini, KRI Rigel-933 akan ditempatkan di Dinas Hidrografi-Oseanografi TNI AL, dengan nomenklatur penomoran 9xx yang menandakan dia dikategorikan secara aset ke dalam jajaran kapal bantu. 

Ruang anjungan (photo : Ocea)

KRI Spica 934

Kapal kedua yang dipesan dari galangan kapal OCEA Dossier, di Les Sables-d’Olonne, Prancis, itu akan tiba pada September nanti. 

Dia akan diberi nama KRI Spica-934, yang juga memakai nama rasi bintang, sebagaimana halnya dengan Rigel alias rasi Lintang Waluku (Jawa) atau Orion (Inggris/Barat).  

Laiknya kapal  survei hidrologi, KRI Rigel-933 seukuran panjang 60 meter dan bobot kosong 500 ton itu tidak dilengkapi senjata mematikan, hanya dua senapan mesin 12,7 milimeter yang ditancap di geladak samping kanan dan kirinya, plus senapan mesin 20 milimeter di bawah anjungan.

Yang menjadi keistimewaan kapal seharga 93,848 juta dolar Amerika Serikat ini adalah deretan instrumen khusus penera hidrologis dan oseanografis. 

Di antara banyak keistimewaan dan kecanggihan instrumennya, yang paling menyolok mata adalah kehadiran Autonomous Underwater Vehicle mirip torpedo gemuk berwarna oranye terang, di dalam kontainer khusus di geladak luar buritan kapal. 

Ruang pemrosesan data (photo : Sea and Marine)

Dialah yang menjadi andalan dalam memindai bentang alam laut mengandalkan sonar sisinya. Instrumen ini buatan Kongsberg, Norwegia. 

Dia bisa beroperasi secara mandiri (otonom) berbasis data komputer yang telah diinput dan data keluaran hasil kerjanya bisa dipancarkan seketika waktu. 

Masih didukung robot bawah laut buatan ECA Robotics, Prancis, yang awam biasa menamakan ini sebagai Remoted Operated Vehicle, dengan kamera-kamera tiga dimensinya. Olahan datanya bisa dilihat seketika di layar monitor dalam tampilan tiga dimensi. 

“Dia bisa membedakan lapisan demi lapisan air laut di kedalaman, hingga mengenali perbedaan salinitas dan pergerakan arus air. Juga bisa membedakan apakah obyek yang dijumpai itu metal, bahan organik, dan sebagainya,” kata Kepala Subdinas Penerangan Umum Dinas Penerangan TNI AL, Kolonel Pelaut Suradi, secara terpisah. 

Beberapa hadirin berkata, jika KRI Rigel-933 sudah tiba saat musibah AirAsia Qz8510 terjadi maka proses SAR korban dan evakuasi reruntuhan pesawat terbang itu bisa lebih cepat dan efisien.

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), robot bawah air berfungsi sebagai survei geofisika, bisa menyelam hingga 1.000 meter, punya lengan dengan lima fungsi gerakan untuk ambil obyek di dasar laut. (photo : Viva)

KRI Rigel-933 yang baru tiba ini masih dalam pendampingan pembuatnya, galangan kapal OCEA Dossier.

“Kapal kami ini sangat istimewa, beberapa negara telah memesan. Bisa untuk kepentingan militer ataupun sipil sepenuhnya, tergantung keperluan," katanya.

"Yang penting juga, Angkatan Laut Prancis juga memakai kapal sama dengan yang dipesan Indonesia ini,” kata Manajer Proyek OCEA Dossier, Luc Boulestreau. 

Dia turut menyaksikan detik-detik kehadiran KRI Rigel-933 di Tanjungpriok itu. Senyumnya mengembang saat kapal berbodi alumunium itu bisa bermanuver baik dan ditambat. 

“Masih banyak sekali keandalan kapal ini yang harus dikuasai sepenuhnya dan kami siap mendukung sepenuh hati,” kata Boulestreau.

(Antara)

Malaysia Unveiled Mobile Sea Base Ship

08 Mei 2015

Tun Azizan is the first sea base concept in Malaysia and Southeast Asia and has been structured to accommodate up to 99 passengers with facilities for accommodation, food storage, laundry, an operations & communication room, power generation, air conditioning, fresh water system as well as military equipment and infrastructure. All features and equipment have been fitted according to the technical requirements the Malaysian Armed Forces. (photo : Lowyat)

Petronas, MISC, MMHE Convert Cargo Vessel Into Mobile Sea Base

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Petronas, together with MISC Bhd and Malaysia Marine Heavy Engineering (MMHE), has converted Tun Azizan, a cargo vessel, into a mobile sea base ship with the necessity features to function as a long-term national security asset.

Petronas Senior Vice-President of Corporate Strategy and Risk Adif Zulkilfli said the group awarded the Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Installation and Commissioning contracts to MISC and its partner MMHE in November 2014 to refurbish and repurpose an idle cargo vessel into a mobile sea base.

Tun Azizan, the first sea base concept in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, can accommodate 99 passengers with facilities such as accommodation, food storage, laundry room, an operations and communication room, power generation, air conditioning, fresh water system as well as military equipment and infrastructure.

The name "Tun Azizan" was chosen for the vessel as a tribute to the late Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin, who was Petronas President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman from 1988 to 2004.

"All features and equipment have been fitted according to the technical requirements of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM)," Adif said in a statement today.

During the conversion and fabrication, Petronas achieved 199,000 man-hours meeting excellent Health Safety and Environment (HSE) standards as well as Zero Lost Time Injuries (LTI).

(Bernama)

KRI Rigel-933 Tiba di Indonesia

07 Mei 2015

KRI Rigel memasuki perairan Indonesia disambut oleh dua KRI (photo : MetroTVNews, Republika)

KRI Rigel-933 Tiba di Tanah Air Disambut Dua KRI

Jakarta-- KRI Rigel-933 kapal jenis Survey Hidro-Oseonografi yang dipesan TNI Angkatan Laut dari Perancis tiba di perairan teritorial  Indonesia sebelah barat  disambut oleh KRI Sutanto-377 dan KRI Wiratno-379 dibawah kendali operasi  Gugus Tempur Laut Komando Armada RI Barat (Guspurla Koarmabar) yang dipimpin Laksamana Pertama TNI T.S.N.B. Hutabarat, M.M.S., di perairain Pulau Rondo, Sabang,  Nangro Aceh Darrusalam, Rabu (6/5).

KRI Rigel 933 merupakan kapal perang bantu terbaru Indonesia, Kapal   jenis Batiments Hydro-Oceanographiques/BHO (kapal hidro-oseanografi) atau disebut juga Offshore Survey Vessels bertipe SC-190 WB. Kapal Survey ini memiliki panjang 60,1 meter dan draf 3,5 meter.

KRI Rigel-933 merupakan kapal bantu Hidro-Oseanografi canggih yang dibuat di galangan kapal perancis, kapal ini memiliki kemampuan kapal riset multi fungsi antara lain,  survey hidrografi, survey oseonografi, survey geofisika dan survey perikanan. Kapal ini mempu melaju dengan kecepatan 16 knot dan mempuyai daya tahan operasi di laut selama 20 hari dan kemampuan jarak jelajah 4400 NM.

Untuk kecepatan lebih tinggi sampai 14 knot, KRI Rigel 933 menggunakan dua mesin disel MTU 8V4000M53 dengan kapasitas masing-masing 920 kilowat dan tiga generator masing-masing berdaya 250 KW. KRI Rigel 933 juga memiliki dua busur pendorong Hydro Armor dan sistem penempatan dinamis buatan Navis.

(Koarmabar)

Nation’s First Forward Sea Base on Schedule in Sabah

21 April 2015

Mobile Seabase in its final stage - an innovative approach to enhance maritime security for ESSCOM (image. photo : Hishammuddin)

KUALA LUMPUR: The first forward operating base at sea, converted from a decommissioned oil platform, will be in place along Sabah’s east coast by early next month.

According to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, it will be the first such base aimed at giving security forces a decisive advantage in protecting the coastline there.

“It took a few months for us to upgrade and it will be positioned early next month.

“Besides oil platforms, we also have vessels that we have identified as mobile forward bases,” he told reporters after delivering a talk on Malaysia’s Defence and Security Policies at the Armed Forces Defence College here yesterday.

Hishammuddin said work was ongoing in Johor to turn the vessels into mobile forward bases to be positioned in Sabah.

The bases are part of the Sea Basing concept, which involves the placement of naval vessels and personnel as well as a small naval base offshore to intercept unknown ships or intruders far from the country’s coastlines.

“This is a new approach and if it is a success, we can not only add more mobile forward bases but also share our experiences with neighbouring countries who are facing the same threats,” said Hishammuddin.

He said the forward bases would also accommodate unmanned aerial vehicles, armed helicopters and patrol boats.

On the proposal to decommission the Royal Malaysia Air Force’s MiG 29N fighter aircraft, Hishammuddin said the replacement chosen would be subject to three conditions.

“It depends on our ability to fund the assets. Whatever assets we acquire also depends on the threats we face and how we can convince the people that the assets are needed by the armed forces,” he said.

Hishammuddin added that the decision to purchase replacements would be announced under the 11th Malaysia Plan.

The RMAF has 16 Russian-made MiG 29N jet fighters, which are used for air interdiction operations.

Bernama reported that French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation had offered its Rafale aircraft, while British multinational BAE Systems had offered the Eurofighter Typhoon and Boeing its F/A-18E Super Hornet to replace the MiG aircraft.

(The Star)

PN to Acquire Spare Parts for Tanker 1

15 April 2015

AF-81 PN Tanker 1 (photo : Timawa)

MANILA (PNA) -- In line with its efforts to boost the numbers of its serviceable assets, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is allocating Php5,026,808.59 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance and upgrade of its Tanker 1.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 15 calendar days.

Issuance of bidding documents is on April 1 to 21.

The PN is known to operate between five to six tankers which it uses for the refueling of its naval assets. 

(PNA)

KRI Rigel 933 Tiba di Sebelah Utara Aljazair

04 April 2015

KRI Rigel 933 selanjutnya dijadwalkan untuk singgah di Port Said (Mesir), Jeddah (Arab Saudi), Cochin (India), Pelabuhan Sabang-Aceh, dan berakhir di Jakarta (photo : militaryphotos)

Mediterranean Sea - Dalam pelayarannya menuju Indonesia untuk memperkuat armada TNI AL, KRI Rigel 933 saat ini telah mencapai perairan Mediterranean Sea sebelah utara Aljazair.

Saat berita ini dinaikkan posisi kapal canggih Hydro Oceanography Multi Purpose Research Vessel buatan galangan OCEA Les Sables d'Olonne, Prancis, tersebut menurut satelit ada pada koordinat 36.55252 latitude/-0.6305116 longitude dengan kecepatan 1.3 knot dan haluan 78 derajat mengarah ke Port Said (Mesir).

Dari Port Said, selanjutnya KRI Rigel 933 akan menuju Jeddah (Arab Saudi), Cochin (India), kemudian masuk Indonesia melalui Sabang dan berakhir di Jakarta.

Sebelumnya KRI Rigel 933 singgah di Pelabuhan Malaga, Spanyol, selama 3 hari (31 Maret-2 April 2015). Kamis, 2 April, tepat pukul 12.21 waktu setempat kapal ini angkat sauh meninggalkan Malaga.

Dalam persinggahannya di Malaga, KRI Rigel 933 disambut oleh Komandan Angkatan Laut Kerajaan Spanyol di Malaga, Kolonel Laut Pablo A. Lewicki Carazo, Kuasa Usaha Ad Interim (KUAI) KBRI Madrid Minister Counsellor Erie Bawono, dan Atase Pertahanan RI di Madrid Kolonel Laut (E) Agus Adriyanto, S.T., MM.

Nama KRI Rigel 933 diresmikan oleh Menhan Jenderal TNI (Purn) Ryamizard Ryacudu 11 Maret lalu. Rigel adalah nama bintang paling terang dari gugus bintang Orion. Kapal ini menurut keterangan pers KBRI Madrid saat ini tercanggih di Asia Tenggara.

Dalam perjalanannya dari Prancis menuju Indonesia, operasi pelayaran kapal KRI Rigel 933 ini dipimpin oleh Komandan Kapal Mayor Laut (P) Muhamad Wirda Prayogo, S.T.

Total rute pelayaran KRI Rigel 933 dari Les Sables d'Olonne, Prancis, sampai Jakarta diperkirakan akan ditempuh dalam rentang waktu Maret-April.

(Detik)

NZ Issues Tender for Fleet Tanker

02 April 2015

RNZN HMNZN Endeavour (photo : John Wilson)

WELLINGTON — New Zealand's Ministry of Defence has issued a request for tender for a ship to replace the existing fleet tanker HMNZS Endeavour, commissioned in April 1988.

The tender specifies a range of 6,450 nautical miles at 16 knots (Endeavour has a range of 10,000 nautical miles and can attain 14 knots) and requires the new ship to spend up to 160 days at sea each year and 60 days alongside.

Powered by diesel engines driving twin props, the ship will have provision for the installation of two mini-typhoon gun systems and a Phalanx close-in weapon system.

The tender also requires a container deck with a capacity for no less than 12 20-foot-equivalent containers in a single tier. The ship must be able to operate and maintain hangar space for any one of New Zealand's helicopter types, which include the NH90, SH-2G and the A109.

Endeavour was scheduled to be decommissioned in 2013 but instead was effectively given a double hull during an 18-month maintenance period so it could serve until April 2018. The tender calls for a service life of 25 years.

(DefenseNews)