Peru and Cotecmar analyze cooperation in the design and construction of ships

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Corporación de Ciencia y Tecnología para el Desarrollo de la Industria Naval, Marítima y Fluvial (Cotecmar) has extended an invitation to the Peruvian Navy (MGP) for a naval delegation to make an official visit to the company’s facilities in the city of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, to analyze the possibilities of cooperation in ship design, engineering and construction.

By means of Official Communication N° 469/PCTMAR-21, the Presidency of Cotecmar invited the General Director of Material of the Peruvian Navy to visit the shipyard in Cartagena de Indias, based on Understanding E-II-XXIII-21 of the minutes signed at the XXIII Meeting of the Committee of the Mutual Assistance Agreement between the Navies of Peru and Colombia.

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The General Command of the MGP informed its counterpart in the Colombian Navy that the invitation was accepted and that the Peruvian naval delegation will be formed by Vice Admiral Rodolfo Sablich Luna Victoria, who will be accompanied by two officers.

By mutual agreement, the visit has been scheduled between March 7 and 11. Accompanying the General Director of MGP Material will be Frigate Captain Diego Fernando Ruiz Vinces and First Lieutenant Carlos Andrés Montañez Valverde.

LOGISTIC SUPPORT SHIP

It should be recalled that there is a pending project between Cotecmar and SIMA Peru for the eventual construction of four Logistic Support and Cabotage Ships (BAL-C) or similar for the benefit of the Peruvian Navy.

Cotecmar describes the BAL-C as a vessel designed for humanitarian aid operations in riparian and coastal areas, a multifunctional platform that can be used in logistic support, humanitarian support and cargo transport missions.

The MGP requires a vessel that allows the disembarkation of materials, equipment, vehicles and/or personnel on the same beach, a capability that is not directly provided by the very capable Pisco Class Multipurpose Vessels.

Cotecmar is not the only manufacturer offering capex and beach landing vessels, the European shipyard Damen Shipyards also has very competent products for such missions. With Cotecmar, the alternative of building two ships at the Cartagena de Indias shipyard and the other two at SIMA Peru’s facilities was evaluated.