DK Composites bags Dutch boat contract

 

DK COMPOSITES Sdn Bhd, a Malacca-based company specialising in custom high-technology composite domes and yachts, has won a RM2 million contract to build four marine interceptor boats for Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Gorinchem.

The boats, dubbed "Damen Interceptor DI 1102", are a new generation of ultra-fast naval boats, featuring hulls made completely from carbon and glass fibre composites.

DK Composites said it has been collaborating with Damen for the past three years in the building of composite superstructures for the latter's Fast Crew Supplier 1605 boats and other lightweight vessels.

It was commissioned to build the first DI 1102 last year.

"The job was completed in the specified time and recently passed all sea trials conducted in Port Dickson and harsh testing in the North Sea in Europe," DK Composites said in a statement yesterday.

"As a result of clearing these stringent tests, Damen has placed an order for four interceptor boats as its first production series. One of these boats will be used as a demonstration model for Damen's other potential customers in other parts of the world," it added.

"The order for four units is just the first step. In the near future, Damen plans to deliver one unit of the 1102 every two weeks," Damen product director of high speed craft, Jaap L. Gelling said in a statement.

The Dutch shipbuilder hopes to invite the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency to test this Made-In-Malaysia boat for its interceptor operations.

"We also intend to extend the cooperation with the production of larger interceptor craft and various other Damen vessels between 15m and 20m," he added.

Gelling said the two companies are currently discussing a series of production of a 15m full composite pilot boat.

The DI 1102 has a propulsion package of twin Volvo diesel engines for acceleration. Its structural design in advanced carbon and glass composites provides the high strength to weight ratio necessary for high speeds, reaching up to 60 knots.

With its capability to be loaded into a 40-foot container, the DI 1102 can be transported around the world economically and at a short notice.

The DI 1102 can also be fitted with a range of weapons, making it suitable for coastal security, maritime law enforcement operations or to intercept smugglers.