Can You See the US$250m Difference?

I am no expert on ships but the recent report on the problems at PSCI on the construction of the offshore patrol vessels is an interesting episode of how Malaysian companies can get into difficulties by venturing where the brave dare not go.

You can get some background on the developments of the offshore patrol craft that have been contracted to be built at about RM1 billion per craft.

The two photos show vessels of about the same size ie 60meters plus. Of course the design and capability is quite different but the basic quality they both share is that they stay afloat and can travel the seas.

Our own OPVs failed the sea trails but no further details were revealed.
It seems our defense plans are in jeopardy as those in charge did not exercise good judgement when awarding the contract.

To me, a more cost effective method to protect our waters would be using one or two geo-stationary satellites with high-tech resolution cameras that will transmit data to stations linked to about 5 coastal airfields where 2 or 3 long-range high capacity helicopters could be called up to deal with pirates.

I believe this will cover 80% of our security requirements at sea.
Unless those 24OPVs are going to be in naval battles; but then they have to be seaworthy first.



Photo1:US$1.1m landing craft
Photo2:RN Offshore Patrol Vessel