Defence Ministry Claiming RM147.7m Damages from Boustead Heavy Joint-Venture Firm

13 Juli 2017

RMN Scorpene submarine (photo : DCNS)

PETALING JAYA: The Ministry of Defence is claiming damages of RM147.7 million from Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd’s joint-venture company Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation Sdn Bhd (BDNC) for “breach of obligations” under the contract for in-service support for the Royal Malaysian Navy Scorpene submarines.

BDNC is 60% owned by BHIC Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHIC, and the rest is held by France's DCNS SA.

BHIC told Bursa Malaysia that it received a letter from the ministry claiming liquidated damages amounting to RM53.2 million and €19.3 million (RM94.5 million), being 10% of the total contract value.

The submarines service support deal was awarded to BDNC on Aug 12, 2010 for a total contract value of €193 million and RM532 million. It included a full submarine integrated logistics support package, consisting of a comprehensive spare parts package as well as the outfitting of workshop equipment, respective yard facilities and equipment, submarine safety conditioning facilities and their corresponding maintenance.

The contract also covered tugboat services and the operation and maintenance of the shiplift, transfer system and submarine “umbilical services”.

BHIC said BDNC is responding to the letter of claim and has adequate basis to defend itself and appeal against the claim, which is expected to have a material financial and operational impact on the BHIC Group for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2017.

BHIC shares fell one sen to close at RM2.19 on some 15,300 units traded, giving it a market capitalisation of RM544.12 million.

(Sun Daily)