The Philippine Navy’s new offshore patrol vessels will be fitted with Kongsberg Maritime’s propulsion systems

Kongsberg provided Controllable Pitch Propeller systems to Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery (HHI-EMD) for installation in six of the new 94-metre offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy.

Each propulsion set consists of twin Kongsberg Kamewa Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) 86 A/5 D-B systems, as well as shaft lines, hydraulic power units, local operating panels, and accessories. The first ship set will be delivered in August 2024. 

Kongsberg’s expertise includes optimising propeller efficiency against cavitation and vibration, thus significantly reducing a vessel’s underwater noise. 

The six new offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) are part of a major upgrade to Philippine naval capacity. The new vessels are to have a displacement of 2,450 tonnes, a maximum speed of 22 knots, a 15-knot cruising speed and a range of 5,500 nautical miles. The vessels will be able to provide long-range patrol capability.

“Our propulsion equipment is vital to the performance of these sophisticated new vessels for the Philippine Navy,” said Ottar Ristesund, senior vice president, Propulsion and Engine Sales, Kongsberg Maritime. 

Kyung-Hoon Lee, senior sales manager for Kongsberg Maritime Korea, said some years back it discussed its CPP business cooperation with HHI-EMD (Hyundai Heavy Industries Engine & Machinery) to make a package proposal for their own four-stroke engine (“HiMSEN Engine”) to meet market demands, said Lee. “The good business cooperation has now led to securing the contract for these propulsion systems,” he said.

Kongsberg Maritime has provided highly sophisticated propulsion systems for navies around the world.