Local Shipbuilders Capable of Building Large Ships

18 September 2012

NGVTech Malaysia and DSME Korea are joined to build 1.270 ton Training Ship for Royal Malaysian Navy (all photos : Standdupper)

KUALA LANGAT : Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad has expressed confidence that local shipbuilders are capable of building large vessels, including war ships.

He said they should be given the opportunity to prove their worth as proven by NGV Tech which had so far built over 140 ships of various sizes.

"I am confident that NGV Tech is capable of building large vessels and warships as it is a sophisticated company entrusted with building two Royal Malaysian Navy training ships through a joint venture with a South Korean company," he told reporters after attending a Hari-Raya open house hosted by NGV Tech here today.

Accompanied by NGV Tech executive chairman Datuk Zulkifli Shariff and Chief of Navy Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar, Dr Mahathir witnessed the construction of the two training ships worth RM148 million each at a shipyard owned by NGV Tech in Kampung Sijangkang.

Built through a technology transfer programme with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd., South Korea, NGV Tech expects both ships to be completed by the middle of next year.

(The Sun Daily)